Relative abundance and size composition of prey in the common minke whale diet in selected areas of the northeastern Atlantic during 2000-04

A total of 210 common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were sampled in five different areas the northeastern Atlantic during May-June 2000-04. Analysis forestomach contents revealed a relatively mixed diet at population level, whereas on an individual each whale had fed upon mainly one species. There significant differences composition between and some years. The importance krill Barents Sea increased with latitude dominated Spitsbergen diet. Capelin around Bear Island contributed considerably to along coast northern Norway. In latter area, herring haddock also great part Norwegian consisted mature herring, while North was by sand eels mackerel. found feed wide range prey sizes, apparently determined availability size classes.