Food intake and body measurements of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) in captivity

The food consumption (recorded in kg of individual fish species), body length and mass of 11 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins kept first at Windsor Safari Park, UK (1979-1993/1994), and later at Harderwijk Marine Mammal Park, The Netherlands (1993/1994-1995) are reported. This broad-scale, longitudinal study is based on historical data that were originally recorded for short-term husbandry purposes. The chemical composition and caloric value of the diet were variable and were not recorded. The food intake quantities should therefore be viewed as rough weight estimates of what wild conspecifics might eat (depending on their diet). The average annual food consumption of adult males and non-pregnant, non-lactating females was approximately 2000 kg of fish (estimated at 176 x 10(5) kJ). Food consumption showed little increase during gestation, but was 58-97% higher during lactation than during similar periods in non-reproductive years. All six calves began to eat solid food within a year of birth although suckling continued for 14-37 months after birth. The pattern of food intake of mothers and calves varied substantially between suckling periods. No seasonal changes in food consumption were detected, although there were small seasonal changes in water temperature. Births occurred at various times of year, since the timing of mating varied between years. The animals' body length increased rapidly during the first 3 years of life after which the growth rate decreased. Body length reached asymptote at approximately 270 cm. Adults of both sexes weighed around 260 kg. The relationship between standard body length (in cm) and body mass (in kg), although based on a small sample size (n = 16), can be expressed as body mass = 17.261e(0.0156(body length-100)). Animals weighing 155-225 kg consumed between 2 and 4% of their body mass per day.     

Detection distances of bottom-set gillnets by harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Many odontocetes die annually in gillnet fisheries. Why they become entangled is not yet clear. Maybe some species detect the nets too late to avoid collision. Therefore, the target strength of 11 types of bottom-set gillnets was measured under 0 and 45 degrees angles of incidence. From these target strengths and from knowledge on the echolocation abilities of two odontocete species (harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins), the detection ranges of the nets by these small cetaceans could be estimated. The 90% detection range by echolocating harbour porpoises, approaching the nets at right (perpendicular) angles under low noise level conditions, varied between 3 and 6 m depending on the net type. For bottlenose dolphins, under high noise conditions, the 90% detection range varied between 25 and 55 m. At other angles of approach, the estimated detection ranges are shorter. The study suggests that echolocating bottlenose dolphins can detect nets in time to avoid collision, whereas echolocating harbour porpoises cannot in most cases. Suggestions for future research to reduce small cetacean bycatch by improving the nets' detectability by echolocation are given.     

抗风浪海水网箱中南瓶鼻海豚行为谱的初步构建

采用目标取样法,对饲养于抗风浪网箱中的4只南瓶鼻海豚（Tursiops aduncus）的行为进行了观察和记录,最终定义了南瓶鼻海豚的7种姿势和70种行为.在此基础上,根据行为发生时的姿势、动作、环境以及可能具有的功能,将这些行为划分为水面运动行为、空中行为、社群行为、索食、性行为、玩耍、休息及杂类等8个行为模式,从而初步构建了南瓶鼻海豚的行为谱.还进一步对某些行为,如社会行为的生物学和生态学意义进行了探讨.     

Land use and the spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl compounds as measured in the plasma of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

The distribution of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) in the environment is well documented with higher concentrations observed in wildlife located in industrial and urban areas. This study examined the distribution of PFCs in relation to land use using blood samples collected from bottlenose dolphins during capture-release health assessment surveys conducted in Charleston, SC. The study area was partitioned into three subareas (ACW, CHS, and SRE) based upon habitat and land use characteristics. The ACW and CHS subareas are characterized by high degrees of industrial and urban land uses, while the SRE subarea is more residential and characterized by a lower degree of developed land use. Long-term monitoring data from photo-identification surveys were used to group bottlenose dolphins based on their proportions of sightings in the different subareas. Dolphins affiliated with both the ACW and CHS subareas were observed to have significantly higher mean plasma concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) than those affiliated with the SRE subarea. Dolphins affiliated with the ACW subarea were found to have a significantly higher mean plasma concentration of PFUnA than those affiliated with the CHS subarea. Further examination of the distribution of the PFCs revealed positive correlations with developed land uses and negative correlations with wetland/marsh land cover. A positive correlation was also observed between PFUnA and agricultural land use. The variability and scale of the observed contaminant burdens have important implications for the conservation and management of living marine resources and illustrates the importance of long-term monitoring of free-ranging wildlife species.     

Occurrence of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in natural gas fields of the northwestern Adriatic Sea

Common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were surveyed in offshore gas fields off Ravenna, Italy, between Spring and Autumn, 2001–2005. These visual surveys provide the first density estimates of bottlenose dolphins in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea south of the Po River. Since no study has examined the distribution of bottlenose dolphins relative to gas platforms, when dolphins were encountered, their distance from the nearest gas platform was estimated and behaviour was assessed. Dolphins were sighted on ca. 36% of survey trips, which varied in duration from 1 to 6 h. Group size ranged from 1 to ~50 individuals, with no seasonal trend evident in the likelihood of encounter. Dolphin density was estimated to be approximately 80% higher within 750 m of gas platforms, relative to densities >750 m from platforms, although variability around the estimates was high. From a limited number of behavioural observations, slightly higher frequencies of feeding and milling behaviour were observed closer to gas platforms, whereas dolphins observed further away exhibited higher frequencies of socialising and travelling. Gas platforms are known to provide habitat for demersal fishes and act as aggregation points for pelagic fishes, and these data provide some support for the idea that bottlenose dolphins may utilise gas platforms opportunistically as feeding sites.     

Seasonal variation and tidal influences on estuarine use by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)

In order to show that dolphins use estuary habitats differently depending on the season and tidal state, possibly in response to prey distribution, temperature, risk of stranding and accessibility, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) were observed year-round during a 3-year study in the Clarence River estuary (CR) and Richmond River estuary (RR) in northern New South Wales, Australia. Peak dolphin sightings occurred during the spring season and one or 2 h prior to high tide. The spatial distribution of the dolphins in each estuary was analysed using the distance in kilometres that the dolphins travelled upstream with seasons and tidal phase as determinants. A General Linear Model showed that in the CR the dolphin spatial distribution in the estuary was not determined by season (F = 0.434, df = 3, P = 0.729) but was by tidal phase (F = 9.943, df = 3, P < 0.001) and the interaction between season and tidal phase (F = 3.398, df = 9, P < 0.002). However, in the RR the spatial distribution of the dolphin use of the estuary was not determined by either season (F = 1.647, df = 3, P = 0.194) or tidal phase (F = 0.302, df = 3, P = 0.824). In the CR, the spatial distribution of the dolphins was largest on high and flood tides. This pattern of spatial distribution may occur because the CR is a relatively shallow estuary and this increased spatial distribution may reflect a lower stranding risk and an increase in accessibility of shallow areas during periods of higher tide. These areas could also provide access to their preferred prey items of sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) and sand whiting (Sillago ciliata).     

Serum antibody levels against select bacterial pathogens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins,Tursiops truncatus,from Beaufort NC USA and Charleston Harbor,Charleston, SC,USA

Concern over the emergence of zoonotic diseases in marine organisms is growing. In response to this concern, this study set out to measure antibody activities against bacterial pathogens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from the coastal estuaries of NC and SC, USA. Individuals from Charleston SC harbor, a heavily industrialized shipping harbor estuary, and from Beaufort NC, a non-shipping estuary, were examined. Purified IgG was obtained from pooled sera using ammonium sulfate precipitation steps and protein-G procedures, which was then used to generate a panel of IgG-specific monoclonal antibodies. Two of these antibodies, mAbs BB-10-2 (IgG1) and BB-32-2 (IgG2b), were then used to determine total serum IgG concentrations using a sandwich capture ELISA. Circulating IgG levels were variable between individuals and between the two pods. MAb BB-10-2 was then used in an indirect ELISA to determine serum antibody activities against several common marine bacteria as well as the human pathogens E. coli and E. coli strain 0157:H7, Vibrio parahemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. cholerae, Mycobacteria marinum, M. fortuitum, and M. chelonae. The highest antibody activities were against mycobacteria, two of which are zoonotic pathogens. Males had the highest antibody activities, thus suggesting low cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens in these individuals. T-cell proliferation in response to Con-A, an indicator of cell-mediated immune function, was then measured in the Beaufort population. Males had the lowest proliferation responses, however a negative correlation between antibody activities and T-cell proliferation in individuals could not be established for either of the Mycobacteria species. Overall, antibody activities against all bacteria, including innocuous species such as V. anguillarum, V. natrigens, and M. xenopi were highly variable between individual dolphins and the two pods, with some animals exhibiting very high activities. These studies suggests that dolphin populations should be monitored by following the health and seroprevalence of pathogens of interest in select individual animals over time.     

养殖虾夷扇贝不同组织中重金属含量的分布

2008年6～7月在我国北方某海域,进行了底播养殖虾夷扇贝(Patinopecten yessoensis)不同组织中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn 4种重金属的含量调查.重金属的含量测定采用原子吸收法进行.结果表明:闭壳肌中有害重金属Pb、Cd的含量显著低于其他组织;虾夷扇贝内脏团质量虽仅占整贝质量的8%～15%,但内脏团中有害重金属Cd占整贝中Cd的76%～85%,Pb占整贝中Pb的45%～54%;同时,研究表明虾夷扇贝对有害重金属的蓄积与养殖区域无直接相关性.     

Movement patterns of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the presence of a fast-flowing,prevailing current: shore-based observations at Cape Vidal,South Africa

The presence and movement of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus were investigated using shore-based observations made during a humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae migration survey at Cape Vidal, South Africa, undertaken between June and October 1988–1991. Occurrence was analysed as counts of dolphin sightings per hour within a generalised estimating equation framework. Bottlenose dolphin sightings decreased throughout the daily survey period, and there was a small seasonal peak in sightings during August. Data on movement trajectory were collected using a theodolite for 60% of the groups of dolphins sighted. Most groups were observed travelling in a northerly direction, with few groups recorded moving south. A generalised linear model indicated that northward-travelling dolphins were located closer to shore, travelled at higher speeds, and occurred in bigger groups under low-tide conditions, than those seen moving in a southerly direction. The southward-flowing Agulhas Current is close to shore at Cape Vidal, where the continental shelf is particularly narrow. We suggest that bottlenose dolphins in this area have adopted a specific movement regime to cope with the consistent fast-flowing currents that dominate their environment at Cape Vidal.     

Comparative embryogenesis of Australian and South African viviparous clinid fishes (Blennioidei,Teleostei)

The study follows the embryogenesis of 16 species of viviparous clinid fishes (Clinidae, Teleostei), from the Cape south coast of South Africa and from Australia, with comparative remarks on the development of juveniles in oviparous species. The sperm intromitted into the female duct fertilise the eggs within the follicles. The embryos then develop in individual follicles, nourished by nutrients derived from the mother, until they are mature for release. During the reproductive season in the South African genera Clinus and Muraenoclinus, the female's ovaries harbour eggs and embryos at various stages of development, whereas in species of the Australian genera Heteroclinus and Cristiceps, most embryos in each ovary are at an approximately equal stage of development. The ovaries of the studied species fall into two groups: species of Heteroclinus and Cristiceps that produce numerous small eggs, and species of Clinus and Blennophis that produce fewer, larger eggs. As a consequence, Heteroclinus spp. and Cristiceps spp. bear and release high numbers of smaller embryos, of c. 10-13 mm long, whereas others (e.g. Clinus superciliosus, C. cottoides) bear fewer embryos, of up to 22 mm long. The organogenesis of various organs is described, with particular emphasis on chondrification and ossification. The onset of gut, sensory organ and skeletal development in Heteroclinus and related species occurs in embryos of 2.5-3.0 mm, whereas in Clinus spp. organ development starts in 5.0-6.0 mm embryos, and occurs in parallel both in the head capsule and at the caudal ends. Consequently, the pace of embryogenesis in the studied Australian small-egg species is faster in several aspects, and their embryos at the time of release are smaller than those of the large-egg species. The developmental sequences and related phenomena are discussed.     

Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in tissues of aquatic animals utilized in toxicity bioassays

Cell proliferation is an important component of toxic and carcinogenic mechanisms. A recently developed immunohistochemical assay for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) identifies an endogenous marker for cell proliferation in routinely-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. This assay was adapted to identify proliferating cells in tissues of several fish species used in toxicity bioassays: medaka (Oryzias latipes), guppy (Poeata), and western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The present studies show that this PCNA technique can identify proliferating cells in aquatic animals if attention is given to primary fixative, primary antibody, protein blocking reagent and antigen retrieval processing. PCNA immunoreactivity was demonstrated in tissues with normally high cell turnover such as gill, gastrointestinal tract and testis. Proliferation was also demonstrated in carcinogen-induced hepatic neoplasms.     

Comparative biomonitors of coastal trace metal contamination in tropical South America (N. Brazil)

Samples of 5 bivalve molluscs (Crassostrea rhizophorae, Mytella charruana, Anomalocardia brasiliana, Anadara ovalis, Phacoides pectinata), 2 barnacles (Fistulobalanus citerosum, Balanus amphitrite) and leaves of the mangrove tree Rhizophora mangle were collected from up to 11 sites in two estuaries in Natal, Brazil--the comparatively contaminated Potengi estuary and the comparatively uncontaminated Curimataú estuary. Specimens were analysed for the trace metals Zn, Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn and Ni, and a comparative assessment made of the power of the different species as trace metal biomonitors. Four of the 5 bivalves (not P. pectinata) take up metals from solution and suspended material (food source), while P. pectinata as a lucinid with symbiotic chemosynthetic bacteria takes up metals from dissolved sources only. The organisms with the strongest net accumulation of particular metals showed the greatest discrimination between trace metal bioavailabilities between sites. Barnacles (F. citerosum) showed the best discrimination, but oysters (C. rhizophorae) are particularly recommended as biomonitors given their strong accumulation patterns for many trace metals, their large size and their local abundance.     

Heavy metals in mass species of bivalves in Ha Long Bay (South China Sea,Vietnam)

To characterize the terrigenous, anthropogenic, and technogenous impacts upon the ecosystems of coral reefs in the shallow-water Ha Long Bay, which was declared by UNESCO to be a world natural heritage site, the levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni in the soft tissues of six mass species of bivalve mollusks from island coastal waters were studied. Taking into account the abundance and distribution, as well as the capability to represent the geochemical conditions of the environment, for further biomonitoring of heavy metal contents in the coastal waters of the bay, the following species were recommended: Septifer binocularis, Barbatia amygdalumtostum, and Isognomon isognomon.     

厦门中华白海豚的分布和数量

1994～1999年在厦门海域进行84航次中华白海豚船只跟踪和照像,记录392只次。设20个监视站,进行239个月的逐日观察,记录12624只次。整个厦门海域700km2均有中华白海豚分布,它可溯河至近淡水的河道,但不游出外海。厦门西港和同安湾口内的近岸最多,跃出海面的次数有明显的季节差异,4～5月最多。厦门海域中华白海豚数量估计不足100只,仅40只左右有确切记录。种群数量目前仍有减少趋势,因而应就地和迁地保护并举,加强对这种国家一级保护物种的保护。     

Abundance and degree of residency of humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea in Mossel Bay,South Africa

Indian Ocean humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea inhabit nearshore waters from South Africa to eastern India. Humpback dolphins are vulnerable to conservation threats due to their naturally small population sizes and use of nearshore habitats, where human activities are highest. We investigated the abundance and residency of this species inhabiting Mossel Bay, South Africa, using photographic mark-recapture. Data were collected during 81 surveys in Mossel Bay between 2011 and 2013. Open population modelling using the POPAN parameterisation produced a ‘super-population’ estimate of 125 individuals (95% CI: 61–260) and within-year estimates of between 33 and 86 individuals (2011: 71 [95% CI: 30–168]; 2012: 33 [15–73], 32 [15–70]; 2013: 46 [20–108]). Although less appropriate, closed capture models were also run for comparison with previous studies in the region and generated similar, but slightly smaller, population estimates within each year. We compared our catalogue with opportunistic data collected from East London, Plettenberg Bay, De Hoop and Gansbaai. The only catalogue matches attained were between Plettenberg Bay (n = 44 identified) and Mossel Bay (n = 67 identified), separated by 140?km. Population exchange was moderate, with nine individuals resighted in multiple years between these two areas. This study supports previous findings of long-range movements for this species and provides a baseline from which to assess future impacts on the population.     

Heavy metal distribution and partitioning in the vicinity of the discharge areas of Lisbon drainage basins (Tagus Estuary,Portugal)

Worldwide estuarine ecosystems are by their privileged geographic location, anthropogenically impacted systems. Heavy metal contamination in estuarine waters and sediments are well known to be one of the most important outcomes driven from human activities. The partitioning of these elements has been widely focused, due to its importance not only on the estuarine biogeochemistry but also on its bioavailability to the trophic webs. As observed in other estuaries, in the Tagus basin, no increase in the partition coefficients with the increasing suspended particulate matter concentrations was observed, mostly due to a permanent dilution process of the suspended matter, rich in heavy metals and less contaminated and resuspended bottom sediments. Another important outcome of this study was the common origin of all the analysed heavy metals, probably due to the large industrialization process that the margins of the Tagus estuary suffered in the past, although no relationship was found with the presence of the different discharge areas. In fact, metal partitioning seems to be mostly influenced by the chemical species in which the pollutant is delivered to the system and on water chemistry, with a higher emphasis on the metal cycling essentially between the particulate and dissolved phase. This partitioning system acquires a relevant importance while evaluating the impacts of marine construction and the associated dredging operations, and consequent changes in the estuarine water chemistry.     

厦门湾中华白海豚：面临的威胁与保护对策

中华白海豚(Sousa chinensis)是国家一级重点保护水生哺乳动物,在我国主要分布于东南沿海的近岸及河口水域。厦门湾是中华白海豚重要栖息地之一,同时也是东南沿海经济较为发达的地区。自改革开放以来,厦门进行了高强度的海洋开发活动,对中华白海豚及其栖息地造成了较大影响。为了保护该物种及其栖息地,厦门市制定了一系列的保护措施,如建立自然保护区、跨区域协同管理、鱼类资源管护与增殖放流等,取得了较好成效。本研究总结了厦门湾中华白海豚所面临的主要威胁,以及为保护中华白海豚及其栖息地所采取的保护措施;分析了目前仍然存在的问题并提出改进建议,如保护区优化调整、加强执法监管、开展栖息地生态修复等,可为厦门湾及其他海域中华白海豚的保护与管理提供参考与借鉴。     

Se(IV)和Te(IV)对钝顶螺旋藻的急性毒性和联合毒性

用化学品对藻类毒性测试的标准试验方法,分别研究了硫属元素Se(IV)和Te(IV)单组分对钝顶螺旋藻(Spirulina platensis)的毒性效应,用相加指数法评价了Se(IV)和Te(IV)双组分对螺旋藻的联合毒性效应。结果表明,Te(IV)对螺旋藻的毒性大于Se(IV),其EC50,96h分别为125.2mg/L和36.1mg/L;Se(IV)和Te(IV)的联合毒性效应为拮抗作用,其EC50,96h为103.1mg/L。     

荣成天鹅湖越冬大天鹅粪便的重金属水平

为对大天鹅(Cygnus cygnus)保护及湖区管理提供基础数据,作者于2011年11月~2012年3月研究了山东荣成天鹅湖越冬大天鹅食物来源及其粪便的重金属水平。结果表明:所选择的食物来源中,Zn、As和Cr在硬毛藻(Chaetomorpha linum)中含量最高,Cd在大叶藻(Zostera marina L.)叶片中含量最高,Pb在大叶藻根茎中含量最高,Cu在石莼(Ulva pertusa)中含量最高,Hg在小麦(Triticum aestivum)中含量最高;水生植物来源的粪便中Cd含量极显著高于陆地植物来源的粪便,陆地植物来源的粪便中Cr,Pb和Hg含量显著高于水生植物来源的粪便;摄食小麦苗可能造成大天鹅对Cd和Hg的积累。