Whalebones Research

Whalebones research …

Currently undertaking a PhD (2017-2021) using population genetics and stable isotopes to understand pre-whaling ecology, connectivity and diversity of baleen whale populations in the South Atlantic. Based at the University of Cambridge Archaeology Department and British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge – in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London.

My research focuses on using population genetics and stable isotopes to understand pre-whaling ecology, connectivity, and diversity of baleen whale populations in the South Atlantic.

Collaboration with Falklands Conservation …

The first two chapters of my Ph.D. if focused on sei whales on their South Atlantic feeding grounds in collaboration with NGO Falklands Conservation.

Chapter 1 characterizes the diet of sei whales in the Falkland Islands using a biomolecular ecology approach, combining DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope technologies. Peer-review publication coming soon…

Chapter 2 explores the impact of historic whaling on the genetic identity and foraging ecology of South Atlantic sei whales using modern skin samples, historic whalebones and whaling catch histories. Changes in foraging ecology is explored using skin and bone collagen. Genetic identity is explored using mitochondrial control sequences, microsatellites and SNPS from a hybridization capture protocol ( hyRAD). The hyRAD approach is still underway, so watch this space.

The isotopic component of this work is then expanded upon to include a variety of baleen whale species in the South Atlantic.

Chapter 3 explores the niche differentiation of baleen whales on South Atlantic feeding grounds using 211 historic whalebones. Species identities are known using genetics and foraging niche is inferred using stable isotope analysis.

Whalebones Research