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Morick D, Davidovich N, Zemah-Shamir Z, Kroin Y, Bigal E, Sierra E, Segura-Göthlin S, Wosnick N, Hauser-Davis RA, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP. First description of a Gammaherpesvirus in a common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2253-2258. [PMID: 37088865 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
In September 2020, a male common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was found dead on a beach near Bat-Yam, Israel. A small, raised, well circumscribed penile lesion (i.e., mass) was identified and removed for histology and molecular characterizations. By histology, the penile mass presented focal keratinization of the squamous epithelium and a mild ballooning of acanthocytes in lower epithelium levels, as well as features compatible with viral plaques, and tested positive for a gammaherpesvirus through molecular characterization analyses. Tissue samples from the lungs, liver, and spleen, however, tested negative for herpesvirus infection. The gammaherpesvirus detected herein is similar to other isolates found in several areas worldwide in different cetacean species. This is the first reported case of gammaherpesvirus infection in dolphins from the eastern Mediterranean Sea, indicative of the need for long-term assessments to create viral infections databases in cetaceans, especially in a climate change context, which is likely to intensify infectious disease outbreaks in marine mammals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, 20250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Ziv Zemah-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Kroin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Bigal
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Natascha Wosnick
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Aviad P Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
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Stockin KA, Machovsky-Capuska GE, Palmer EI, Amiot C. Multidimensional trace metals and nutritional niche differ between sexually immature and mature common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis). Environ Pollut 2023; 333:121935. [PMID: 37263561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to understand the links between metals and nutrition for apex marine predators, which may be subject to different ecotoxicological effects at different life stages. We combined stomach content analyses (SCA), prey composition analysis (PCA), the Multidimensional Niche Framework (MNNF) with Bayesian multivariate ellipses, trace metal analysis and nicheROVER to investigate nutrition and trace metals across sex, age, and sexual maturity status in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from New Zealand. A broader prey composition niche breadth (SEAc) was estimated for immature compared to mature conspecifics, showing a higher degree of prey and nutrient generalism driven by protein (P) intake. Cd and Zn niche similarities suggests these metals were incorporated through similar prey in both immature and mature dolphins, whereas Hg and Se niche divergence indicates uptake occurred via different prey. Our multidisciplinary assessment demonstrated how nutrients and metal interactions differ in common dolphins depending upon sexual maturity. This approach has relevance when considering how marine pollution, environmental fluctuations and climate change may affect nutritional and trace metal interactions during different reproductive stages within marine predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745, New Zealand; Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Gabriel E Machovsky-Capuska
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745, New Zealand; Nutri Lens, East Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Emily I Palmer
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745, New Zealand
| | - Christophe Amiot
- UFR Science et Technologie, Nantes Université, 44000, Nantes, France; BiodivAG, Angers Université, Angers, 49000, France
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Balseiro A, Herrero-García G, Royo LJ, Armenteros JÁ, Altonaga JR, Monasterio JM, Balsera R, Pool RV, García Marín JF, Pis-Millán JA. Hypertrophic osteopathy in a common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) with concurrent pulmonary Halocercus delphini infestation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17011. [PMID: 37484216 PMCID: PMC10361101 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are marine mammals that often live in coastal habitats. Common causes of severe skeletal disorders among wild dolphins are congenital vertebral anomalities, collisions with sea vessels, trauma, hunting-related injury, infectious diseases, environmental pollution, and tumors. A free-ranging male, 3-year-old common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was found dead in the coast of Asturias in northern Spain. Postmortem examination revealed lordosis in the caudal vertebral column, while X-ray imaging and computer tomography showed well-organized palisade-like periosteal proliferation, appearing as florid-like accretions, along the spinous apophysis of 26 lumbar-caudal vertebrae. The transverse apophysis was affected on only a few caudal vertebrae. The cortical layer remained intact. Histology of vertebra tissue showed periosteal proliferation of cancellous bone. The animal was diagnosed with hypertrophic osteopathy. The lungs showed diffuse parasitic granulomatous bronchointerstitial pneumonia caused by Halocercus delphini, consolidation of the pulmonary tissue, congestion, and alveolar edema. The animal was also afflicted by parasitic granulomatous gastritis caused by Anisakis simplex sensu lato and tattoo skin disease. The dolphin suffered from hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary Halocercus delphini infestation. This syndrome, known as hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy, has been described in diverse terrestrial mammals, including domestic animals, wildlife and humans, but not in dolphins. This case reports the first description of hypertrophic osteopathy associated to a pulmonary disorder in dolphin, and it provides insights into factors that can induce column malformation in dolphins, suggesting the importance of taking thoracic lesions into account during differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Gloria Herrero-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis J. Royo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario del Principado de Asturias (SERIDA), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Genética, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José Ángel Armenteros
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - José R. Altonaga
- Hospital Veterinario de León, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Juana M. Monasterio
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ramón Balsera
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Rachel V. Pool
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | - José Antonio Pis-Millán
- Centro de Experimentación Pesquera, Dirección General de Pesca Marítima del Principado de Asturias, 33212 Gijón, Spain
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Zuriel YE, Levi Avshalom N, van Rijn I, Livne L, Galili O, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP, Kerem D. Multi-year passive acoustic monitoring of coastal dolphins along the Israeli Mediterranean shallow shelf reveals the impact of marine fish farms and trawling patterns on their habitat utilization. Mar Environ Res 2023; 188:106014. [PMID: 37148717 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dolphin preference and usage of various habitats along the Israeli shallow coastal shelf were investigated between 2019 and 2021 with passive acoustic monitoring devices. A hurdle model was used to examine the dolphins' visiting probability (chance of detection) and visit duration (length of stay once detected) across habitats, with diel cycle and season as explanatory variables. The influence of spatiotemporal prohibitions placed on trawler activity was also examined. It was found that dolphins exhibited higher presence in the vicinity of fish farms, up to three orders of magnitude, and even more so during periods when trawler activity was halted. The study also found a higher presence during the winter season and nighttime. Modeling did not find significant differences in the visiting probability or the visit duration between any non-farm-associated sites, including areas where trawling is prohibited. Further restrictions on the fishing industry may induce recovery of the benthic ecosystem and lower competition for resources, thus promoting higher dolphin presence in natural habitats along the shelf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Zuriel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - N Levi Avshalom
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - I van Rijn
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - L Livne
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - O Galili
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - D Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - A P Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - D Kerem
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Galili O, Goffman O, Roditi-Elasar M, Mevorach Y, Bigal E, Zuriel Y, Haitovich Y, Hadar N, Markovich M, Vardimon D, Reininger D, Marco S, Morick D, Ratner E, Tchernov D, Scheinin A. Two Decades of Coastal Dolphin Population Surveys in Israel, Eastern Mediterranean. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36829603 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, two near-shore dolphin species are prevalent; Tursiops truncatus (least concern, IUCN) and Delphinus delphis (endangered, IUCN). Ship-board surveys and sporadic sightings over the last two decades have shown that the two differ in distribution-T. truncatus is found along the entire coast and D. delphis only in the south. The environmental and anthropological factors affecting these species' spatial distribution and determining their habitat preferences in this area are largely unknown. This work is a first attempt at summarizing 20 years of observations and studying habitat preferences for both species, by use of Generalized Additive Models. T. truncatus was found to be present in all areas of the continental shelf where survey effort coverage was sufficient, with a high affinity towards bottom trawlers. Model results showed D. delphis distribution to be associated to (shallow) water depths, though the factors driving their limited latitudinal distribution currently remain unknown. It is evident that T. truncatus and D. delphis are present in segregated areas of the Israeli continental shelf and T. truncatus currently sustains a delicate balance with continuously shifting human activities, while the drivers of D. delphis distribution are more specified, yet still not fully understood.
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Olaya-Ponzone L, Espada Ruíz R, Patón Domínguez D, Martín Moreno E, Cárdenas Marcial I, Serradilla Santiago J, García-Gómez JC. Sport fishing and vessel pressure on the endangered cetacean Delphinus delphis. Towards an international agreement of micro-sanctuary for its conservation. J Environ Manage 2023; 325:116546. [PMID: 36419308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Delphinus delphis Linnaeus 1758 is considered an endangered species in the Mediterranean. The species is resident in the Bay of Algeciras - Gibraltar (southern Spain; waters partially shared with Gibraltar, UK). This area is subject to strong anthropogenic pressure, but with an input of renewed waters in its central area. During three consecutive years (March 2017-March 2020), sightings were observed concentrated along the submarine canyon that runs north to south across the bay, forming a "specular S″ with a maximum depth of 460 m. The pods of Dd showed a continuous or semi-continuous spatial distribution along the vertical axis of the submarine canyon, where they feed, mate, breed and rear calves in a well-defined area that constitutes a critical habitat. This area has been cartographically delimited, choosing the area of maximum dolphin frequency as highly vulnerable due to the possibility of collisions with small vessels (<15 m) and interactions with sport fishing activities (popping, ballooning, trolling) which constitute the main threat counting the derived impacts from noise pollution. Spatio-temporal mapping has been developed to visualize the overlapping between the dolphin groups and small vessels. Mapping analysis has shown that an international Spanish-British micro-sanctuary urgently needs to be established in order to create a protected area specifically for the common dolphins, and for other species which inhabit/use the waters between Spain and Gibraltar. Coordinates and a delimited surface area have been proposed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Olaya-Ponzone
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Área de Investigación Biológica I+D+i Del Acuario de Sevilla, Spain.
| | - R Espada Ruíz
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Ecolocaliza, C/ Gibraltar 183, La Línea de La Concepción (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - D Patón Domínguez
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Ecology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, Spain.
| | - E Martín Moreno
- Ecolocaliza, C/ Gibraltar 183, La Línea de La Concepción (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - I Cárdenas Marcial
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Área de Investigación Biológica I+D+i Del Acuario de Sevilla, Spain.
| | - J Serradilla Santiago
- Natural Park of the Estrecho. Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain.
| | - J C García-Gómez
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Área de Investigación Biológica I+D+i Del Acuario de Sevilla, Spain.
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Caputo M, Bouveroux T, van der Bank M, Cliff G, Kiszka JJ, Froneman PW, Plön S. Inter- and intra-specific trophic interactions of coastal delphinids off the eastern coast of South Africa inferred from stable isotope analysis. Mar Environ Res 2022; 182:105784. [PMID: 36306553 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Dietary tracers, such as bulk stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes, can be used to investigate the trophic interactions of marine predators, which is useful to assess their ecological roles within communities. These tracers have also been used to elucidate population structure and substructure, which is critical for the better identification of management units for these species affected by a range of threats, particularly bycatch in fishing gears. Off eastern South Africa, large populations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) co-occur and are thought to follow the pulses of shoaling sardines (Sardinops sagax) heading north-east in the austral winter. Here we used δ13C and δ15N to investigate the trophic interactions and define ecological units of these two species along a ≈800 km stretch of the east coast of South Africa, from Algoa Bay to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Common and bottlenose dolphin dietary niche overlapped by 39.7% overall in our study area, with the highest overlap occurring off the Wild Coast (40.7% at Hluleka). Both stable isotopes were significantly enriched in bottlenose dolphins sampled in the western part of our study area (i.e., Algoa Bay and Amathole) compared to eastern animals (i.e., from Hluleka, Pondoland, and KZN). In areas where genetic information is not available or is insufficient, food web tracers (such as stable isotopes) can be used to group individuals based on trophic ecology, which can provide ecological units for management of populations. The distinct isotope signatures found here for bottlenose dolphins can, therefore, be used as management units for conservation efforts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Caputo
- SARChI Chair in Marine Ecology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151 St, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA.
| | - Thibaut Bouveroux
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, 36528, USA
| | - Megan van der Bank
- Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, East London, P.O. Box 11235, Southernwood, East London, 5213, South Africa; South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa
| | - Geremy Cliff
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 and School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151 St, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Pierre William Froneman
- SARChI Chair in Marine Ecology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Plön
- Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Gqeberha, South Africa
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Roussouw N, van Vliet T, Naidoo K, Rossouw G, Plön S. Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from sub-tropical waters. J Morphol 2022; 283:1411-1424. [PMID: 36059247 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Blubber is a highly specialised and dynamic tissue unique to marine mammals and presents a reflection of the individuals' nutrition, environment, and life history traits. Few studies have investigated the histomorphology of cetacean blubber in sub-tropical environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the blubber histomorphology of three different dolphin species off the sub-tropical KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa, using adipocyte cell size, number and density. Blubber tissue samples from the saddle area of 43 incidentally bycaught animals (4 Sousa plumbea, 36 Tursiops aduncus and 3 Delphinus delphis) were used to compare cell parameters between blubber layers. Samples were divided into upper third (corresponding to the superficial layer closest to the epidermis), middle third, and lower third (corresponding to the deep layer). For T. aduncus, factors potentially affecting blubber histomorphology, such as sex, age class and season, were also assessed. Our results showed that no stratification was present in S. plumbea, which could be ascribed to the species' warmer inshore habitat, large body size and apparent lower mobility. For T. aduncus and D. capensis, however, blubber stratification was determined, characterised by a gradual transition of cell size, number and density between layers rather than clearly defined layers. Significant differences in adipocyte cell number and density were found for different sexes and age classes of T. aduncus. However, there were no significant differences between seasons, which was attributed to the small temperature differences between seasons. This study represents the first investigation on odontocete blubber histomorphology in subtropical waters. It is recommended that future studies investigate blubber lipid content, while also taking into consideration the reproductive status of the females and the temperature range of their study area. It is hoped that our results, in conjunction with histopathology and other health indicators, could assist in assessing health and body condition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Roussouw
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - T van Vliet
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - K Naidoo
- Research and Monitoring Division, KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - G Rossouw
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - S Plön
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa.,Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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Curtiss JB, Colegrove KM, Dianis A, Kinsel MJ, Ahmed N, Fauquier D, Rowles T, Niemeyer M, Rotstein DS, Maddox CW, Terio KA. Brucella ceti sequence type 23, 26, and 27 infections in North American cetaceans. Dis Aquat Organ 2022; 148:57-72. [PMID: 35200159 DOI: 10.3354/dao03644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Brucella ceti infection is associated with a variety of disease outcomes in cetaceans globally. Multiple genotypes of B. ceti have been identified. This retrospective aimed to determine if specific lesions were associated with different B. ceti DNA sequence types (STs). Characterization of ST was performed on 163 samples from 88 free-ranging cetaceans, including common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (T.t.; n = 73), common short-beaked dolphin Delphinus delphis (D.d.; n = 7), striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (n = 3), Pacific white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens (n = 2), sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus (n = 2), and harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena (n = 1), that stranded along the coast of the US mainland and Hawaii. ST was determined using a previously described insertion sequence 711 quantitative PCR. Concordance with 9-locus multi-locus sequence typing was assessed in a subset of samples (n = 18). ST 26 was most commonly identified in adult dolphins along the US east coast with non-suppurative meningoencephalitis (p = 0.009). Animals infected with ST 27 were predominately perinates that were aborted or died shortly after birth with evidence of in utero pneumonia (p = 0.035). Reproductive tract inflammation and meningoencephalitis were also observed in adult T.t. and D.d. with ST 27, though low sample size limited interpretation. ST 23 infections can cause disease in cetacean families other than porpoises (Phocoenidae), including neurobrucellosis in D.d. In total, 11 animals were potentially infected with multiple STs. These data indicate differences in pathogenesis among B. ceti STs in free-ranging cetaceans, and infection with multiple STs is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Curtiss
- Zoological Pathology Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
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Oswald JN, Walmsley SF, Casey C, Fregosi S, Southall B, Janik VM. Species information in whistle frequency modulation patterns of common dolphins. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20210046. [PMID: 34482716 PMCID: PMC8419585 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The most flexible communication systems are those of open-ended vocal learners that can acquire new signals throughout their lifetimes. While acoustic signals carry information in general voice features that affect all of an individual's vocalizations, vocal learners can also introduce novel call types to their repertoires. Delphinids are known for using such learned call types in individual recognition, but their role in other contexts is less clear. We investigated the whistles of two closely related, sympatric common dolphin species, Delphinus delphis and Delphinus bairdii, to evaluate species differences in whistle contours. Acoustic recordings of single-species groups were obtained from the Southern California Bight. We used an unsupervised neural network to categorize whistles and compared the resulting whistle types between species. Of the whistle types recorded in more than one encounter, 169 were shared between species and 60 were species-specific (32 D. delphis types, 28 D. bairdii types). Delphinus delphis used 15 whistle types with an oscillatory frequency contour while only one such type was found in D. bairdii. Given the role of vocal learning in delphinid vocalizations, we argue that these differences in whistle production are probably culturally driven and could help facilitate species recognition between Delphinus species. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vocal learning in animals and humans’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie N Oswald
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Sam F Walmsley
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Caroline Casey
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
| | - Selene Fregosi
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
| | - Brandon Southall
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA.,Long Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Vincent M Janik
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
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11
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Hernández-Orts JS, Scholz T, Loizaga R, García NA, Crespo EA, Kuchta R. Marine fish imported from Argentina as source of human diphyllobothriosis in Europe? Ecological evidence from dolphins. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:691-695. [PMID: 33991441 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Diphyllobothriosis caused by the Pacific broad tapeworm Adenocephalus pacificus (syn. Diphyllobothrium pacificum) is an emerging parasitic disease reported also from non-endemic areas, including Europe (Spain). The origin of these human cases is unknown but should be related to fresh marine fish imported from endemic areas. In this study, we molecularly confirmed common dolphins Delphinus delphis off Argentina as euparatenic transit hosts of A. pacificus. Preliminary analysis of their stomach content, together with data from previous studies from the Southwest Atlantic, showed that common dolphins feed almost exclusively on schooling Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi and Argentine anchovy Engraulis anchoita. Therefore, we suggest that Argentine hake and Argentine anchovy may represent the intermediate hosts of A. pacificus in the Southwest Atlantic, but also in Europe to where M. hubbsi is imported on ice (unfrozen).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús S Hernández-Orts
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Scholz
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Rocío Loizaga
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Néstor A García
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Enrique A Crespo
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Roman Kuchta
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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12
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Tonay AM, Uzun B, Dede A, Amaha Öztürk A, Danyer E, Aytemiz Danyer I, Bilgin S, Öztürk B, Bilgin R. Population genetic structure of the short-beaked common dolphin from the Black Sea and the Turkish Straits System. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2020; 31:257-64. [PMID: 32654598 DOI: 10.1080/24701394.2020.1788008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Our study aims to assess the population connectivity, evolutionary history, and conservation status of the short-beaked common dolphin in the Black Sea and Turkish Straits System (TSS). We also include DNA sequences from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to provide a regional perspective to our localized study. Analysis of 366 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA D-loop fragments from 37 samples collected from short-beaked common dolphins in the Black Sea, TSS, and Aegean Sea revealed 13 haplotypes, eight of which have not been previously reported. While analysis of samples archived on GenBank revealed 89 different haplotypes across the region. The haplotype network contains two main peripheral groups that include individuals from all locations. Haplotypes from the Atlantic Ocean are scattered across the network and no obvious population separation was detected. Some shared haplotypes potentially indicate multi-directional colonization events of the Mediterranean Sea from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, some less widely distributed haplotypes suggest some level of more recent genetic connectivity through the Strait of Gibraltar and the TSS and point out the importance of these straits in the dispersal of short-beaked common dolphins. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity values were lower in the Black Sea, TSS, and western Mediterranean Sea when compared to the Atlantic Ocean, supporting the expansion of Atlantic populations into the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. Differentiation was observed between the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, TSS and the Black Sea based on Фst but not between Mediterranean and the Black Seas. For common dolphins, which have high dispersal potential, the protection of open seas and narrow seaways to enhance connectivity may be crucial.
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13
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Karamitros G, Gkafas GA, Giantsis IA, Martsikalis P, Kavouras M, Exadactylos A. Model-Based Distribution and Abundance of Three Delphinidae in the Mediterranean. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E260. [PMID: 32041267 PMCID: PMC7070316 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of Delphinidae species population patterns in the Mediterranean Sea was carried out in a sequence of surveys employing different approaches. Data from seven-year surveys with small catamaran sailing boats were analyzed under model-based approaches. Density Surface Models were used to produce spatial distribution prediction of three Delphinidae species (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, and Delphinus delphis) in an extended study area covering much of the Mediterranean Sea. A classical distance sampling protocol was applied in order to calculate the detection probability of clusters. Static (depth, slope, distance from the coast, and distance from isobaths of 200 m) and nonstatic (sea surface temperature and chlorophyll) variables were used to predict the species distribution/abundance in a generalized additive model context. Stenella coeruleoalba was found to be the dominant species, with an extended distribution in the study area; its abundance was significantly affected by both depth and distance. Tursiops truncatus and Delphinus delphis illustrated a significant abundance correlation with depth and chlorophyll, respectively, while both species showed a robust longitude correlation. Our model pinpoints the significance of nondesigned transect line surveys, suggesting the importance of specific habitat areas for future monitoring and conservation aspects of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Karamitros
- Hydrobiology–Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str, 38446 Volos, Hellas; (G.A.G.); (P.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Georgios A. Gkafas
- Hydrobiology–Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str, 38446 Volos, Hellas; (G.A.G.); (P.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Ioannis A. Giantsis
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Hellas;
| | - Petros Martsikalis
- Hydrobiology–Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str, 38446 Volos, Hellas; (G.A.G.); (P.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Menelaos Kavouras
- Hydrobiology–Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str, 38446 Volos, Hellas; (G.A.G.); (P.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Athanasios Exadactylos
- Hydrobiology–Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str, 38446 Volos, Hellas; (G.A.G.); (P.M.); (M.K.)
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14
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Lee K, Lee J, Cho Y, Sohn H, Choi YM, Lim SR, Kim HK, Yoon SW, Jeong DG, Kim JH. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of the common dolphin Delphinus delphis (Cetacea: Delphinidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2018; 3:632-633. [PMID: 33490526 PMCID: PMC7800269 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1473720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the complete mitogenome of the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis. Overall structure of the 16,387 bp mitogenome was very similar to those of other delphinid species, including the ancient D. delphis individuals. Multigene phylogeny revealed that D. delphis was most closely related to Stenella coeruleoalba, and clustered well with other species within the subfamily Delphininae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunglee Lee
- Cetacean Research Institute (CRI), National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - JunMo Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Cho
- Cetacean Research Institute (CRI), National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hawsun Sohn
- Cetacean Research Institute (CRI), National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Choi
- Cetacean Research Institute (CRI), National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Ra Lim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Analytical Science Division, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kwon Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Yoon
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Analytical Science Division, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Gwin Jeong
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Analytical Science Division, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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15
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Cruz MJ, Machete M, Menezes G, Rogan E, Silva MA. Estimating common dolphin bycatch in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4285. [PMID: 29456883 PMCID: PMC5813588 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-scale artisanal fisheries can have a significant negative impact in cetacean populations. Cetacean bycatch has been documented in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores with common dolphins being the species more frequently taken. Based on data collected by observers on ∼50% of vessels operating from 1998 to 2012, we investigate the influence of various environmental and fisheries-related factors in common dolphin bycatch and calculate fleet-wide estimates of total bycatch using design-based and model-based methods. Over the 15-year study dolphin bycatch occurred in less than 0.4% of the observed fishing events. Generalized additive modelling results suggest a significant relationship between common dolphin bycatch and duration of fishing events, sea surface temperature and location. Total bycatch calculated from the traditional stratified ratio estimation approach was 196 (95% CI: 186–205), while the negative binomial GAM estimated 262 (95% CI: 249–274) dolphins. Bycatch estimates of common dolphin were similar using statistical approaches suggesting that either of these methods may be used in future bycatch assessments for this fishery. Our work shows that rates of common dolphin bycatch in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores are low, despite considerable variations between years. Dolphins caught were released alive although the fate of these individuals is unknown. Continued monitoring will provide a better understanding of dolphin bycatch and more accurate estimates essential in the development of potential mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Cruz
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal.,MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal
| | - Miguel Machete
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal
| | - Gui Menezes
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal.,MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal
| | - Emer Rogan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Enterprise Centre, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mónica A Silva
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
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16
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Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Santostasi NL, Furey NB, Eddy L, Valavanis VD, Gimenez O. Dolphins in a Scaled-Down Mediterranean: The Gulf of Corinth's Odontocetes. Adv Mar Biol 2016; 75:297-331. [PMID: 27770988 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Corinth is a 2400-km2 semi-enclosed inland system (a mediterraneus) in central Greece. Its continental shelf areas, steep bottom relief, and waters up to 500-900m deep offer suitable habitat to neritic and pelagic species. We used photographic capture-recapture, distribution modelling, and direct observations to investigate the abundance, status, habitat preferences, movements, and group size of four odontocete species regularly observed in the Gulf, based on five years (2011-2015) of survey effort from small boats. Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) are more abundant (1324 individuals, 95%CI 1158-1515) than was determined from previous estimates. Striped dolphins appear to be confined to the Gulf, where they favour deep and oligotrophic waters, and were encountered in single-species and mixed-species groups. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) (22 individuals, 95%CI 16-31), individuals with intermediate pigmentation (possibly striped/common dolphin hybrids) (55, 95%CI 36-83), and a single Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) were only encountered in mixed-species groups with striped dolphins. Short-beaked common dolphins constitute a discrete conservation unit (subpopulation), and based on the current estimate, would qualify as Critically Endangered according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (39 animals, 95%CI 33-47) occur in single-species groups; they prefer continental shelf waters and areas near fish farms in the northern sector, and several animals appear to move into and out of the Gulf. Additionally, we contribute records of marine fauna and an assessment of the fishing fleet operating in the Gulf. Our study shows that the importance of this vulnerable marine environment has been underestimated, and management action must be taken to mitigate human impact and ensure long-term protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bearzi
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland; Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States.
| | - S Bonizzoni
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland; Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - N L Santostasi
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France
| | - N B Furey
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - L Eddy
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - V D Valavanis
- Marine Geographic Information Systems Lab, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - O Gimenez
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France
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Reboredo-Fernández A, Gómez-Couso H, Martínez-Cedeira JA, Cacciò SM, Ares-Mazás E. Detection and molecular characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis) stranded along the Galician coast (Northwest Spain). Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:132-7. [PMID: 24704342 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous protozoan parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium have been detected from many species of captive and free-living wildlife, representing most mammalian orders. Twenty species of marine mammals have been reported to inhabit Galician waters and the region has one of the highest rates of stranding in Europe. Evidence from stranding, reported by-catches and sightings, suggests that the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the most abundant cetacean on the Galician coast (Northwest Spain). The objective of this study was to detect and molecularly characterize isolates of Giardia and Cryptosporidium obtained from common dolphins stranded in this area. Between 2005 and 2012, sections of large intestine from 133 common dolphins stranded along the Galician coast were collected by the personnel of the Galician Stranding Network (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños, CEMMA). Using direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and PCR amplification and sequencing of the SSU-rDNA, β-giardin genes and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 8 (6.0%) and 12 samples (9.0%), respectively. In two samples, co-infection by both parasites was observed. The molecular characterization revealed the presence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages A (genotypes A1 and A2) and B and Cryptosporidium parvum in these samples. This constitutes the first study in which the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium has been investigated in common dolphins on the European Atlantic coast, and it is also the first report of C. parvum in this host. Our findings indicate that these animals could act as reservoir of these waterborne parasites or could be victims of the contamination originated by anthropogenic activities.
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Davison NJ, Barnett JE, Perrett LL, Dawson CE, Perkins MW, Deaville RC, Jepson PD. Meningoencephalitis and arthritis associated with Brucella ceti in a short-beaked common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis). J Wildl Dis 2013; 49:632-6. [PMID: 23778612 DOI: 10.7589/2012-06-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Brucella species infection in marine mammal species has been reported to have a global distribution. In 2007, the description of Brucella ceti was published and formally adopted for those isolates originating from cetaceans and pathologic lesions similar to those seen in terrestrial mammals infected with Brucella spp. have been associated with its isolation. Brucella ceti infection specific to the central nervous system has been described in two species of cetacean: striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in Europe and Costa Rica and an Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) in the UK. We describe the first report, to our knowledge, of B. ceti-associated meningitis and arthritis in a third species, the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), in an animal that stranded in the UK.
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