ABSTRACT. Bowhead whales of the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock harvested by Alaskan Eskimos were examined for scars from killer whale and ship-collision injuries. We estimated that the frequency of scars from killer whale attacks ranged from 4.1% to 7.9% (depending on our confidence that the whale was properly examined) while about 1% exhibited scars from ship collisions. The frequency of killer whale scars was considerably lower than for bowhead whales of the Davis Strait stock and for other baleen whales where data are available, and was significantly lower (P < 0.05) for whales < 13 m. Patterns for both types of scars were quite similar to those reported for other cetacean species. Spaces between rake marks were within the range of interdental measurements from four killer whale skulls. The occurrence of attempted killer whale predation and ship strikes inferred from scars has not prevented the BCBS stock from increasing.

Sera of 19 male and female bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) collected near Barrow, Alaska (USA) between 30 August and 13 October 1992 were evaluated for 18 serum chemistry values. Male bowhead whales had significantly greater creatinine and sodium concentrations, and significantly lower glucose concentrations than females. Pregnant females had greater triglyceride levels than non-pregnant females. The mean concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, and calcium were similar to those previously reported from bowhead whales. High aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine kinase levels were attributed to muscle damage associated with harpooning.

Organochlorine (OC) levels in liver and blubber of 20 bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) collected during the Eskimo subsistence harvest at Barrow (Alaska, USA) in 1992 and 1993 are presented. Liver sum DDT (lipid weight) was significantly greater in male whales than in females. Most of the organochlorines measured were at higher levels in longer (older) than in shorter (younger) males. For female bowhead whales, hexachlorobenzene and lipid levels decreased and other OC levels did not change significantly with increasing length. Most organochlorine contaminants have low concentrations in tissues of the bowhead whale compared to concentrations in tissues of other cetaceans, especially Odontocetes. Based on allowable daily intakes (ADI) levels established by the Canadian Northern Contaminants Program (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) ''safe'' levels of blubber to consume were calculated. Chlordane levels in bowhead whale blubber results in the most restrictive consumption amount (50 g blubber/day). We expect no adverse effects related to these organochlorine contaminants to occur in bowhead whales or in consumers of their tissues. However, investigation of low level chronic exposure effects and a more rigorous assessment of histopathology, biomarkers, and immune status in the bowhead whale would be required to conclude ''no effect'' with more certainty.

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