Comparison of mercury accumulation in antarctic minke whale collected in 1980-82 and 1984-86

Mercury concentrations were determined in the liver of Antarctic minke whal e (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) collected during 1980-82 and 1984-86, and co mpared in view of age-dependent accumulation. No significant sexual and geo graphical variations were observed, while higher mercury concentrations wer e found in the Liver of Antarctic minke whales caught in the 1984-86 season rather than in 1980-82 by commercial whaling. Mercury concentration elevat ed with age until maturity and then revealed a steady state or slightly dec lined. However, the age showing maximum level of mercury was found to be ol der in 1984-86 than in 1980-82. This observation might be attributable to t emporal changes in feeding amounts, resulting from disturbance of the Antar ctic ecosystem such as uncontrolled management of whale resources in the pa st.