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Chlorobiphenyls in the blubber of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the UK: Levels and trends 1991-2005 |
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| Authors: | Robin J. Law Philippe Bersuder Rob Deaville Paul D. Jepson |
| Affiliation: | a The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK b Institute of Zoology, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK c SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services, Stratherrick Road, Inverness IV2 4JZ, UK |
| Abstract: | Harbour porpoises sampled within the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme have been analysed for 25 chlorobiphenyl congeners. In all, 440 porpoises stranded or bycaught during the period 1991-2005 were studied. There are regional differences in the trend in summed congener concentrations over time but, despite controls on PCBs having been in place for decades, they are declining only slowly. Their toxic impacts in UK porpoises - increased susceptibility to infectious disease mortality in the most contaminated individuals - looks likely to continue for some time yet. Further efforts to limit or eliminate PCB discharges to the marine environment are still needed. |
| Keywords: | PCBs Harbour porpoise Chlorobiphenyls Blubber Temporal trend |
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