Radionuclides in seals in the Barents Arctic

Harp, bearded, and ringed seals are widely distributed seal species that are high trophic level feeders. The radiocesium content of these species were investigated to assess if there are differences in bioaccumulation among species or among geographic areas for this arctic top predator. Low concentrations of radiocaesium in seals from the Svalbard archipelago, Kola coast, and northeast coast of Greenland were determined, consistent with the pattern of low seawater 137Cs concentrations throughout their habitat in the Barents Sea. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs = 30-110) correspond well with the variety of prey consumed by seals in this region indicating that diet selection is a dominant factor controlling bioaccumulation of radiocesium in these Arctic seals.

Funding:

Internally funded research

Contact for more information

JoLynn Carroll

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