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Choose Your PoisonSpace-Use Strategy Influences Pollutant Exposure in Barents Sea Polar Bears
journal contribution
posted on 2018-01-24, 00:00 authored by Sabrina Tartu, Jon Aars, Magnus Andersen, Anuschka Polder, Sophie Bourgeon, Benjamin Merkel, Andrew D. Lowther, Jenny Bytingsvik, Jeffrey M. Welker, Andrew E. Derocher, Bjørn Munro Jenssen, Heli RouttiVariation in space-use is common
within mammal populations. In
polar bears, Ursus maritimus, some individuals follow
the sea ice (offshore bears) whereas others remain nearshore yearlong
(coastal bears). We studied pollutant exposure in relation to space-use
patterns (offshore vs coastal) in adult female polar bears from the
Barents Sea equipped with satellite collars (2000–2014, n = 152). First, we examined the differences in home range
(HR) size and position, body condition, and diet proxies (nitrogen
and carbon stable isotopes, n = 116) between offshore
and coastal space-use. Second, we investigated how HR, space-use,
body condition, and diet were related to plasma concentrations of
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)
(n = 113), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; n = 92), and hydroxylated-PCBs (n = 109).
Offshore females were in better condition and had a more specialized
diet than did coastal females. PCBs, OCPs, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations
were not related to space-use strategy, yet PCB concentrations increased
with increasing latitude, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations were
positively related to HR size. PFAS concentrations were 30–35%
higher in offshore bears compared to coastal bears and also increased
eastward. On the basis of the results we conclude that space-use of
Barents Sea female polar bears influences their pollutant exposure,
in particular plasma concentrations of PFAS.