Stable Isotope Analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of Littorina Sea Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates the population structure of Littorina Sea (8570-3800 BP) harbour porpoises through d13C and d15N isotope analysis. The aim is to study both harbour porpoise spatiotemporal foraging patterns and prehistoric exploitation. Out of 86 sampled bones; 31 samples were successful, originating from Eketorp and Segebro (SWE), Vabaduse and Naakamäe (EST), and Silinupe (LAT). When supplemented by external datasets, the d13C results show a significant site-dependent tendency, and regional difference between the eastern Baltic Sea and the Baltic proper. The tendency indicates spatial foraging fidelity in Littorina Sea harbour porpoises. The regional difference is indicative of at least one previously unknown foraging population in the easter Baltic. Furthermore, the results provide new insights into the porpoise-hunting strategies at the Neolithic sites Vabaduse, Naakamäe, and Silinupe.