Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/D/S/2003/00650
Resolving differences between methodologies for the measurement of field metabolic rate: rectifying isotopic measures with indirect calorimetry.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor M Fedak, University of St Andrews, Sea Mammal Research Unit
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr D Thompson, University of St Andrews, Biology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Speakman, University of Aberdeen, Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor I Boyd, University of St Andrews, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of St Andrews, Sea Mammal Research Unit
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Physiology
- Conservation Ecology
- Population Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Abstract:
- This proposal addresses an outstanding conundrum in the study of seal energetics. Field based studies using isotope methods give long term average values for energy expenditure that are well above the levels of expenditure achieved in the laboratory, even when seals appear to be working at their short term capacity. This discrepancy has a major impact on our ability to model interactions between seals and their environment. Using the field based isotope estimates might dramatically overestimate the impact; whereas using laboratory-based estimates might make an equivalent error in the opposite direction. By performing simultaneous measurements of energy expenditure using both techniques in a unique facility at the Sea Mammal Research Unit we will resolve this problem, testing the hypothesis that the DLW estimates are erroneously high. This technique is widely used, yet this kind of essential validation has never been carried out under realistic conditions. The work will allow more accurate estimates of the energy requirements of wild seals to be directly incorporated into ecological interaction models being developed with funding from our CONNECT partner, and provide information for use in fisheries/ecosystem models in general. The combination of the unique facilities and expertise at SMRU and the world class isotope facility at Aberdeen provide an excellent opportunity for this research to be carried out cost-effectively.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/D/S/2003/00650
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- EO Programmes Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Connect B
This grant award has a total value of £239,939
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £87,430 | £2,768 | £101,195 | £8,327 | £40,217 |
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