A review of feeding and reproduction in large baleen whales (Mysticeti) and Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus in Norwegian and adjacent waters

Abstract

A review of the feeding and reproduction of Greenland right Balaena mysticetus, Blue Balaenoptera musculus, Fin Balaenoptera physalus, Sei Balaenoptera borealis, Humpback Megaptera novaeangliae and Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus in Norwegian and adjacent waters is presented. The available information indicates that Greenland right whales and Blue and Sei whales, which are still at low abundances, rely on pelagic crustaceans as their preferred food. Fin and Humpback whales, which are much more numerous, have a broader diet also including Capelin Mallotus villosus and Herring Clupea harengus. The Sperm whale, which is quite numerous along the continental slope, eats mostly cephalopods and bottom fishes. Data on reproduction are sparse, but indicate that the female reproductive cycle spans at least two years for the large baleen whales, with gestation periods around one year. However, since both reproductive and feeding patterns of whales are likely to change with time, historical information should be supplemented with new investigations, with special emphasis on the ecological contexts.