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Chilvers BL. Techniques for hazing and deterring birds during an oil spill. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116276. [PMID: 38520996 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Preventing wildlife from becoming oiled is the priority in an oiled wildlife response. This is achieved through diverting spilled oil away from wildlife, or hazing, deterring, or excluding wildlife from oiled areas. This paper undertakes an international review of techniques deployed for hazing and deterring birds, the taxa most affected, during oil spills. Using these techniques as a baseline it then compares what techniques are used in New Zealand at airports, in agriculture, and at waste management facilities, to assess what could readily be deployed in New Zealand during oil spills, as currently there are few options planned for. As international literature suggests, the best technique is to use a variety of methods for targeted species to reduce habituation. This review highlights international practices that could be tested and implemented, to allow for planning for effective hazing and deterrence practices in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Louise Chilvers
- Wildbase, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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2
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Willette M, Rosenhagen N, Buhl G, Innis C, Boehm J. Interrupted Lives: Welfare Considerations in Wildlife Rehabilitation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1836. [PMID: 37889738 PMCID: PMC10252006 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year in the United States, thousands of sick, injured, or displaced wild animals are presented to individuals or organizations who have either a federal or state permit that allows them to care for these animals with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the complexity of considerations rehabilitators and veterinarians face while trying to optimize the welfare of wild animals in need of care and rehabilitation. The process of rehabilitation is inherently stressful for wildlife. Maintaining an animal's welfare during the rehabilitation process-from initial contact and tria+ge to the animal's euthanasia, release, or captive placement-requires deliberate, timely and humane decision making. The welfare of wild animals can be improved by preventing human-related causes of admission, providing resources and support for wildlife rehabilitation (almost all rehabilitation in the United States is privately funded and access to veterinary care is often limited); further developing evidence-based wildlife rehabilitation methods and welfare measures, attracting more veterinary professionals to the field, harmonizing regulatory oversight with standards of care, training, and accountability, and increasing public education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gail Buhl
- The Raptor Center, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | | | - Jeff Boehm
- The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA;
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3
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Chilvers BL, Ruoppolo V. Planning for an offshore oiled wildlife response: case studies from New Zealand and Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:54351-54361. [PMID: 36944840 PMCID: PMC10121534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
When an offshore oil spill occurs, it is often assumed that there will be no wildlife impacted or that an oiled wildlife response could not be undertaken. In most cases, one or both assumptions are wrong. With increasing offshore fishing, petroleum exploration, and shipping routes, the risk of accidents and spills offshore has increased. This review outlines the important considerations for offshore oiled wildlife response and explores two case studies on offshore oiled wildlife response planning based on offshore drilling or active platforms in New Zealand and Brazil. There are significant challenges for running a response in offshore environments; however, with planning, including preparation of specialized response plans, equipment, and readiness of skilled personnel, an offshore oiled wildlife response can lead to greater survival and protection for wildlife and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. L. Chilvers
- Wildbase, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag, 11222 Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - V. Ruoppolo
- Aiuká, Av. do Trabalhador 1799, 11.725-000, Praia Grande, SP Brazil
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4
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Takeshita R, Bursian SJ, Colegrove KM, Collier TK, Deak K, Dean KM, De Guise S, DiPinto LM, Elferink CJ, Esbaugh AJ, Griffitt RJ, Grosell M, Harr KE, Incardona JP, Kwok RK, Lipton J, Mitchelmore CL, Morris JM, Peters ES, Roberts AP, Rowles TK, Rusiecki JA, Schwacke LH, Smith CR, Wetzel DL, Ziccardi MH, Hall AJ. A review of the toxicology of oil in vertebrates: what we have learned following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2021; 24:355-394. [PMID: 34542016 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2021.1975182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, a number of government agencies, academic institutions, consultants, and nonprofit organizations conducted lab- and field-based research to understand the toxic effects of the oil. Lab testing was performed with a variety of fish, birds, turtles, and vertebrate cell lines (as well as invertebrates); field biologists conducted observations on fish, birds, turtles, and marine mammals; and epidemiologists carried out observational studies in humans. Eight years after the spill, scientists and resource managers held a workshop to summarize the similarities and differences in the effects of DWH oil on vertebrate taxa and to identify remaining gaps in our understanding of oil toxicity in wildlife and humans, building upon the cross-taxonomic synthesis initiated during the Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Across the studies, consistency was found in the types of toxic response observed in the different organisms. Impairment of stress responses and adrenal gland function, cardiotoxicity, immune system dysfunction, disruption of blood cells and their function, effects on locomotion, and oxidative damage were observed across taxa. This consistency suggests conservation in the mechanisms of action and disease pathogenesis. From a toxicological perspective, a logical progression of impacts was noted: from molecular and cellular effects that manifest as organ dysfunction, to systemic effects that compromise fitness, growth, reproductive potential, and survival. From a clinical perspective, adverse health effects from DWH oil spill exposure formed a suite of signs/symptomatic responses that at the highest doses/concentrations resulted in multi-organ system failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Takeshita
- Conservation Medicine, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Kathleen M Colegrove
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, Illinois, United States
| | - Tracy K Collier
- Zoological Pathology Program, Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, United States
| | - Kristina Deak
- College of Marine Sciences, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
| | | | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lisa M DiPinto
- Office of Response and Restoration, NOAA, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Cornelis J Elferink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Andrew J Esbaugh
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, United States
| | - Robert J Griffitt
- Division of Coastal Sciences, School of Ocean Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States
| | - Martin Grosell
- RSMAS, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | | | - John P Incardona
- NOAA Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, North Carolina, United States
| | | | - Carys L Mitchelmore
- University of Maryland Center of Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Morris
- Health and Environment Division, Abt Associates, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Edward S Peters
- Department of Epidemiology, LSU School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Aaron P Roberts
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, United States
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- NOAA Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- Conservation Medicine, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- Conservation Medicine, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Dana L Wetzel
- Environmental Laboratory of Forensics, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States
| | - Michael H Ziccardi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, California, United States
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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5
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Critical In-Water Habitats for Post-Nesting Sea Turtles from the Southern Gulf of Mexico. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9080793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Marine turtles are globally endangered species that spend more than 95% of their life cycle in in-water habitats. Nevertheless, most of the conservation, recovery and research efforts have targeted the on-land habitats, due to their easier access, where adult females lay their eggs. Targeting the large knowledge gaps on the in-water critical habitats of turtles, particularly in the Large Marine Ecosystem Gulf of Mexico, is crucial for their conservation and recovery in the long term. We used satellite telemetry to track 85 nesting females from their beaches after they nested to identify their feeding and residency habitats, their migratory corridors and to describe the context for those areas. We delimited major migratory corridors in the southern Gulf of Mexico and West Caribbean and described physical features of internesting and feeding home ranges located mainly around the Yucatan Peninsula and Veracruz, Mexico. We also contributed by describing general aggregation and movement patterns for the four marine turtle species in the Atlantic, expanding the knowledge of the studied species. Several tracked individuals emigrated from the Gulf of Mexico to as far as Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Bahamas. This information is critical for identifying gaps in marine protection and for deciphering the spatial connectivity in large ocean basins, and it provides an opportunity to assess potential impacts on marine turtle populations and their habitats.
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Hoang AT, Nguyen XP, Duong XQ, Huynh TT. Sorbent-based devices for the removal of spilled oil from water: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:28876-28910. [PMID: 33846913 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Always, oil spills do cause serious and dire consequences for the environment, nature, and society that it consumes much time and socio-economic resources to overcome such consequences. Oil spills, hence, posed a big challenge in searching the advanced technologies and devices to recover spilled oil rapidly and efficiently. Indeed, sorbents have been found to play an extremely critical role in the spilled-oil remediation processes. Recently, a large number of various advanced sorbents and sorbent-based oil-collecting devices/technologies have been developed to enhance the oil-recovery capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive assessment of the application of sorbent-based oil-collecting devices/technologies in recovering spilled oil. Due to this reason, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the advanced technologies of the combination of sorbents and oil-collecting devices in the oil cleanup strategies. Two main oil-collecting devices such as booms and skimmers that could conjunct with sorbents were critically evaluated on the basis of the applicability and technological features, indicating that the capacity of oil spill recovery could achieve 90%. Moreover, oil-storage and oil-collecting devices were also completely mentioned. Last but not least, technical directions, concerns over the application of sorbents in oil recovery, and existing challenges relating to storage, transport, and disposal of used sorbents were discussed in detail. In the future, the automatic process of spilled oil recovery with the conjunction between advanced devices and environmentally friendly high-efficiency sorbents should be further investigated to minimize the environmental impacts, reduce the cost, as well as maximize the collected oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tuan Hoang
- Institute of Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Xuan Phuong Nguyen
- Institute of Maritime, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Xuan Quang Duong
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Vietnam Maritime University, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Tung Huynh
- Institute of Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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7
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Polidoro B, Matson CW, Ottinger MA, Renegar DA, Romero IC, Schlenk D, Wise JP, Beltrán González J, Bruns P, Carpenter K, Cobián Rojas D, Collier TK, Duda TF, González-Díaz P, Di Giulio R, Grubbs RD, Haney JC, Incardona JP, Horta-Puga G, Linardich C, Moore JA, Pech D, Perera Valderrama S, Ralph GM, Strongin K, Ringwood AH, Würsig B. A multi-taxonomic framework for assessing relative petrochemical vulnerability of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:142986. [PMID: 33168243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of the impact of petrochemicals and other stressors on marine biodiversity is critical for effective management, restoration, recovery, and mitigation initiatives. As species-specific information on levels of petrochemical exposure and toxicological response are lacking for the majority of marine species, a trait-based assessment to rank species vulnerabilities to petrochemical activities in the Gulf of Mexico can provide a more comprehensive and effective means to prioritize species, habitats, and ecosystems for improved management, restoration and recovery. To initiate and standardize this process, we developed a trait-based framework, applicable to a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species, that can be used to rank relative population vulnerabilities of species to petrochemical activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Through expert consultation, 18 traits related to likelihood of exposure, individual sensitivity, and population resilience were identified and defined. The resulting multi-taxonomic petrochemical vulnerability framework can be adapted and applied to a wide variety of species groups and geographic regions. Additional recommendations and guidance on the application of the framework to rank species vulnerabilities under specific petrochemical exposure scenarios, management needs or data limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Polidoro
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA.
| | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, 3455 Cullen Boulevard, #221E, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5001, USA
| | - D Abigail Renegar
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania, FL 33004, USA
| | - Isabel C Romero
- University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Blvd., Riverside, CA 92054, USA
| | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, 500 S. Preston St., 55A Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Jesús Beltrán González
- Centro de Investigación y Manejo Ambiental del Transporte (Cimab), Ctra. del Cristo esq. Tiscornia, Casablanca, Habana, Cuba
| | - Peter Bruns
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Kent Carpenter
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Dorka Cobián Rojas
- Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes, Centro de Investigaciones y Servicios Ambientales (ECOVIDA), Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA), La Bajada, 22100 Sandino, Pinar Del Río, Cuba
| | - Tracy K Collier
- Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9079, USA
| | - Thomas F Duda
- Museum of Zoology & Department of Ecology of Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085, USA
| | - Patricia González-Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, Calle 16, No. 114 entre 1ra y 3ra, Municipio Playa, La Habana CP: 11300, Cuba
| | - Richard Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - R Dean Grubbs
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL 32358, USA
| | - J Christopher Haney
- Terra Mar Applied Sciences, 1370 Tewkesbury Place NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
| | - John P Incardona
- Ecotoxicology Program, Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Guillermo Horta-Puga
- Lab. Biogeoquímica, UBIPRO, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, México 54090, Mexico
| | - Christi Linardich
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Jon A Moore
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1, Ft. Pierce, FL 34964, USA
| | - Daniel Pech
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad Marina y Cambio Climático (BIOMARCCA), El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Lerma, 24500 Campeche, Mexico
| | - Susana Perera Valderrama
- National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), Liga Periférico - Insurgentes Sur 4903, Parques del Pedregal, Tlalpan, 14010 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gina M Ralph
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Kyle Strongin
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | - Amy H Ringwood
- Dept of Biology, 9201 University City Blvd, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Bernd Würsig
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Pkwy, Galveston, TX 77553, USA
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Outcomes of 4819 cases of marine animals presented to a wildlife rehabilitation center in New Jersey, USA (1976-2016). Sci Rep 2021; 11:2182. [PMID: 33500477 PMCID: PMC7838321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding marine animal stranding patterns can aid rehabilitation efforts and evaluations of ecosystem health. The goal of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with outcome of marine animals presented to a rehabilitation facility in Brigantine, New Jersey, USA. Records of 4819 phocids, cetaceans, and sea turtles were reviewed. Taxa, age, sex, season, and outcome (natural death, euthanasia, transfer to another facility, and successful release) were recorded for each case. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors associated with release, and a multivariate logistic regression model was developed to evaluate whether the association between taxa and chance of release persisted after adjustment for the other variables. Phocids were most likely to strand during winter. Phocids and sea turtles that stranded alive were more likely to be released than to die under care or be euthanized. Taxa, age, and season were all significantly associated with the probability of release. These results provide a reference for phocid, cetacean, and sea turtle stranding and rehabilitation in part of the mid-Atlantic region. Critical evaluation of wildlife rehabilitation is indicated to audit the success of efforts and to assess threats to free-ranging populations.
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Nandwana V, Ribet SM, Reis RD, Kuang Y, More Y, Dravid VP. OHM Sponge: A Versatile, Efficient, and Ecofriendly Environmental Remediation Platform. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Nandwana
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute of Nanotechnology, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Ribet
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Roberto D. Reis
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental (NUANCE) Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Yuyao Kuang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Yash More
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Vinayak P. Dravid
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute of Nanotechnology, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental (NUANCE) Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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10
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Tracking foraging green turtles in the Republic of the Congo: insights into spatial ecology from a data poor region. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGlobally, marine turtles are considered threatened throughout their range, and therefore conservation practitioners are increasingly investing resources in marine protected areas to protect key life history stages and critical habitats, including foraging grounds, nesting beaches and inter-nesting areas. Empirical data on the distribution of these habitats and/or the spatial ecology and behaviour of individuals of many marine turtle populations are often lacking, undermining conservation efforts, particularly along the Atlantic coast of Africa. Here we contribute to the knowledge base in this region by describing patterns of habitat use for nine green turtles Chelonia mydas tagged with satellite platform transmitter terminals at a foraging ground in Loango Bay, Republic of the Congo, one of only a few documented mainland foraging grounds for marine turtles in Central Africa. Analyses of these data revealed that core areas of habitat use and occupancy for a wide range of size/age classes were restricted to shallow waters adjacent to Pointe Indienne in Loango Bay, with most individuals showing periods of high fidelity to this area. These data are timely given the Congolese government recently announced its intention to create a marine conservation zone to protect marine turtles in Loango Bay. Despite the small sample size of this study, these data exemplify the need for comprehensive strategies that span national jurisdictions, as we provide the first documented evidence of linkages between green turtle foraging sites in Central Africa (Loango Bay, Republic of the Congo) and Southern Africa (Mussulo Bay, Angola).
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11
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Wallace BP, Stacy BA, Cuevas E, Holyoake C, Lara PH, Marcondes ACJ, Miller JD, Nijkamp H, Pilcher NJ, Robinson I, Rutherford N, Shigenaka G. Oil spills and sea turtles: documented effects and considerations for response and assessment efforts. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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12
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Barratclough A, Wells RS, Schwacke LH, Rowles TK, Gomez FM, Fauquier DA, Sweeney JC, Townsend FI, Hansen LJ, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Smith CR. Health Assessments of Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus): Past, Present, and Potential Conservation Applications. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:444. [PMID: 31921905 PMCID: PMC6923228 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a global marine mammal species for which some populations, due to their coastal accessibility, have been monitored diligently by scientists for decades. Health assessment examinations have developed a comprehensive knowledge base of dolphin biology, population structure, and environmental or anthropogenic stressors affecting their dynamics. Bottlenose dolphin health assessments initially started as stock assessments prior to acquisition. Over the last four decades, health assessments have evolved into essential conservation management tools of free-ranging dolphin populations. Baseline data enable comparison of stressors between geographic locations and associated changes in individual and population health status. In addition, long-term monitoring provides opportunities for insights into population shifts over time, with retrospective application of novel diagnostic tests on archived samples. Expanding scientific knowledge enables effective long-term conservation management strategies by facilitating informed decision making and improving social understanding of the anthropogenic effects. The ability to use bottlenose dolphins as a model for studying marine mammal health has been pivotal in our understanding of anthropogenic effects on multiple marine mammal species. Future studies aim to build on current knowledge to influence management decisions and species conservation. This paper reviews the historical approaches to dolphin health assessments, present day achievements, and development of future conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Forrest M Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Deborah A Fauquier
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Larry J Hansen
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
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13
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Franco ME, Felgenhauer BE, Klerks PL. Crude oil toxicity to fiddler crabs (Uca longisignalis and Uca panacea) from the northern Gulf of Mexico: Impacts on bioturbation, oxidative stress, and histology of the hepatopancreas. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:491-500. [PMID: 28892204 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The intensive drilling and extraction of fossil fuels in the Gulf of Mexico result in a considerable risk of oil spills impacting its coastal ecosystems. Impacts are more likely to be far-reaching if the oil affects ecosystem engineers like fiddler crabs, whose activities modify biogeochemical processes in the sediment. The present study investigated effects of oil on the fiddler crabs Uca longisignalis and Uca panacea, which are important as ecosystem engineers and as prey for a wide variety of species. The present study used mesocosms and microcosms to investigate the effects of crude oil on fiddler crab burrowing and to assess cellular and tissue damage by the oil. Fiddler crabs were exposed for periods of 5 or 10 d to oil concentrations up to 55 mg/cm2 on the sediment surface. Their burrowing was delayed, their burrows were smaller, and they transported less sediment in the presence of oil. The hepatopancreas had elevated levels of oxidative stress and a higher abundance of blister cells, which play a role in secretory processes. Interspecific differences were observed; most effects were strongest in U. panacea, though burrowing was more strongly affected in U. longisignalis. The present study demonstrates that crude oil is likely to impact fiddler crabs and many species that depend on them for their diet or for the ecological changes that result from their burrowing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:491-500. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco E Franco
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - Bruce E Felgenhauer
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - Paul L Klerks
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
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