Biogeochemical patterns in prey species reveal complex mercury exposure pathways from the environment to Aleutian Steller sea lions

Several wildlife species exhibit marked spatial variation in toxicologically relevant tissue concentrations of mercury across the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, most notably the endangered Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). To unravel potential environmental and trophic pathways driving mercury variation in this species of concern, we investigated spatiotemporal and ecological patterns in total mercury concentrations and stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from muscle tissues of twelve mid-trophic level prey species of the region (n = 1461). Dividing samples into island groups explained biogeochemical variation better than larger spatial resolutions, with Amchitka Pass and Buldir Pass acting as strong geographic break points. Species-specific relationships between muscle biogeochemistry and length were common, and benthic feeding and increased trophic position were associated with higher total mercury concentrations. Considered together, tissue biogeochemical markers in this region are dependent on location and the species upon which they forage in remarkably nuanced manners. [Display omitted] •Complex variation of issue [THg], δ15N, and δ13C in 12 Aleutian Island species•Amchitka Pass and Buldir Pass were geographic breaks in biogeochemical patterns.•[THg] were highest around the Rat Islands.•Spatial patterns of δ15N, and δ13C did not align with [THg].•[THg] were associated with benthic foraging and trophic level.