Journal of Cetacean Research and Management (1999)

Abstract

Cephalopod prey were identified from the stomachs of 100 Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) incidentally taken by commercial salmon gillnets and research vessels from 1978 to 1982 in the western North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. Eighty-four porpoise were collected in June and July during the salmon fishing season; the remainder were collected in August-September. Seven cephalopod families (Enoploteuthidae, Onychoteuthidae, Gonatidae, Histioteuthidae, Chiroteuthidae, Cranchiidae and Bolitaenidae) were identified in the stomachs. Gonatids were the most abundant, comprising 98% of the beaks. Gonatopsis borealis was the most abundant species, occurring in 85 stomachs. The gonatids occur in meso- and epipelagic waters and many approach the surface at night when the porpoise are feeding.