Lagenorhynchus Acutus Research Articles

VERTEBRAL OSTEOLOGY AND COMPLEXITY INLAGENORHYNCHUS ACUTUS(DELPHINIDAE) WITH COMPARISON TO OTHER DELPHINOID GENERA

AbstractThe vertebral column of the Atlantic white‐sided dolphin,Lagenorhynchus acutus, reflects the radical reorganization of the cetacean column for locomotion in water. Both posterior thoracic and anterior caudal vertebrae have been “lumbarized,” and discontinuities occur within the caudal series at the synclinal point and fluke base. Morphology changes subtly as body size increases. Neural process height increases more rapidly, and centrum length more variably, than other vertebral parameters. As a result, large animals have disproportionately tall neural processes, short necks, long mid‐body regions, and short flukes. Vertebral columns of large animals also show greater complexity (range, irregularity, and polarization) of centrum length than do those of smaller animals. Comparisons among dolphins reveal that complexity trends with respect to differentiation of parts run counter to the trend with respect to number of parts, a relationship predicted by Williston in 1914.

Factors influencing persistent organic pollutant concentrations in the Atlantic white‐sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)

Assessing the trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cetaceans is difficult because of age and gender influences on accumulation. Persistent organic pollutants bioaccumulate and are poorly metabolized; hence, concentrations may increase with age in males while females reduce their POP burden through parturition and lactation. Age and gender effects on contaminant concentrations are species specific because of life history and reproductive strategies. These influences must be understood in order to elucidate and assess lifetime POP exposure. The objectives of this study were to determine baseline POP concentrations in blubber samples from the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and to investigate life history and other influences, such as metabolism, on these concentrations. Forty-seven L. acutus blubber samples collected from mass stranding events in Massachusetts, USA (1993-2000), and archived in the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD, USA) were analyzed for 55 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB; 55 congeners), five polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, and organochlorine pesticides (toxaphene, DDT and metabolites, mirex, dieldrin, chlordanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, hexachlorobenzene, and endosulfans) by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Ages for 19 animals were determined from growth layer groups on decalcified, stained thin tooth sections. Total PCBs (sigmaPCB; sum of 55 congeners) were the contaminants present in the highest concentrations in all age classes (0.5-63 microg/g wet mass) followed by sum of DDTs (0.50-43 microg/g wet mass), toxaphene (0.055-31 microg/g wet mass), chlordanes (0.30-24 microg/g wet mass), and PBDEs (0.12-4.0 microg/g wet mass). Body length had a greater statistical influence than age on contaminant burdens in L. acutus. Contaminant burdens decreased with length in both male and female L. acutus, suggesting metabolic elimination and/or growth dilution in males and off-loading via lactation in females.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Two Dolphin Species with Focus on Toxaphene and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

Assessing trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine mammals is difficult due to age, gender, and metabolism influences on accumulation. To help elucidate these effects in dolphins, POP concentrations were determined in the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus, a pelagic delphinid inhabiting North Atlantic waters, and in the rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis, a pelagic delphinid inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. The specific objectives of this study were to determine baseline POP concentrations in L. acutus and S. bredanensis blubber samples and to examine the effects of age, gender, and metabolism on POP concentrations in dolphin blubber. Focus was aimed at contaminants of emerging concern, specifically, toxaphene and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Samples collected from L. acutus (n = 47) stranding events in Massachusetts (1993--2000) and S. bredanensis samples (n = 15) were analyzed for PCBs, toxaphene, and other organic pesticides by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Age and gender influences were similar between the two species, with adult females having significantly lower POP concentrations as compared to adult males and juveniles. Mean sigma toxaphene concentrations were highest in juvenile L. acutus, 13.0 (6.7) microg/g wet mass (1 SD), and lowest in adult female S. bredanensis, 1.49 (1.4) microg/g wet mass. sigma PBDE (sum of congeners 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154) concentrations were highest in juvenile L. acutus, 2.41 (1.2) microg/g wet mass, and lowest in adult female S. bredanensis, 0.51 (0.6) microg/g wet mass. POP concentrations did not significantly differ between adult males and juveniles, suggesting metabolism of congeners and/or dilution with growth. PBDE concentrations in juvenile white-sided dolphins were not significantly related to collection year, suggesting that there may be a lag period for higher concentrations to be detected in pelagic marine mammals such as L. acutus or that concentrations have already peaked in this species prior to the first collection in 1993.

Characterization of a cetacean aromatase (CYP19) and the phylogeny and functional conservation of vertebrate aromatase

Aromatase (cytochrome P450 19, CYP19, P450arom) is the enzyme responsible for the production of estrogens, hormones critical for development and reproduction. Aromatase was sequenced from a white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus acutus) ovary, transiently transfected into HEK 293 cells, and the expressed protein was characterized for aromatase activity in the presence of androstenedione and testosterone and after exposure to the aromatase inhibitor letrazole. The K ms for androstenedione and testosterone were 63.5 and 75 nM, respectively, values that are very similar to those reported for other mammalian aromatases. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the vertebrate aromatases was performed on the amino acid sequences of aromatases from fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Based on known species phylogeny, the cetacean aromatase showed an expected grouping with artiodactyls (cow, sheep, and goat). An analysis of functional divergence showed strong conservation of aromatase across the entire protein, which indicates that the observed sequence divergence is functionally neutral.

Two Calves in Echelon: An Alloparental Association in Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins (<I>Lagenorhynchus acutus</I>)?

Cetacean calves routinely swim in echelon position with their mothers and occasionally with other individuals. In August 2002, we observed an adult Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) swimming with two calves in echelon position, one on each side, three times over a 90min period. Four possible explanations for this behaviour are considered: (1) twins, (2) chance association, (3) alloparental association in the form of “babysitting,” or (4) adoption. We believe that it is unlikely that this behaviour can be explained by chance or twins; therefore, we believe it represents alloparental association. The presence of a dead lactating female in the area five days before the observation lends support for the adoption hypothesis to explain this unusual observation.

Vertebral osteology in Delphinidae (Cetacea)

Vertebral anatomy in delphinid cetaceans exhibits marked heterogeneity. Description and functional interpretation of this variability is facilitated by the recognition of structural units along the column whose boundaries transgress those of the classical mammalian series. Vertebral anatomy of the killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the Atlantic whitesided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) lie near the ends of an anatomical continuum. Primitive columns resemble those of living delphinapterid delphinoids in exhibiting minimal intervertebral variation, low counts and spoolshaped vertebrae. Derived columns are more regionalized, displaying traits that limit mobility in the anterior torso, enhance flexibility at the point of neural spine syncliny and increase dorsoventral displacement of prefluke vertebrae. Reconstruction of the historical sequence of anatomical innovations identifies syncliny as an early and critical step in delphinid column evolution. Trait distribution supports evolutionary isolation of Pseudorca and Orcinus from remaining delphinids, inclusion of Feresa and Peponocephala among delphinine delphinids, and subdivision of delphinines on the basis of centrum dimensions, neural spine inclination and count. Details of vertebral anatomy can also be used to place fragmentary postcranial material, particularly that of fossils, in functional and evolutionary context. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 140, 383‐401.

Summer distribution and relative abundance of cetacean populations off north-west Scotland

A line transect survey was conducted in July/August 1998 to investigate the distribution and abundance of cetaceans off north-west Scotland. Over 2156.5 km of survey effort, 304 sightings were recorded of which 184 were identified to species. Nine species were identified: Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, fin whale Balaenoptera physalus, sei whale Balaenoptera borealis, long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas, sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, common dolphin Delphinus delphis, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, white beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris and Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus. The Atlantic white-sided dolphin was the most relatively abundant species. The relative abundance of large whales and dolphins was greatest in the Faroe–Shetland Channel. The continental slopes of this area are undergoing development by oil industries and concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of these activities on cetaceans. These waters are used year-round by cetaceans and provide feeding and breeding grounds and are a migration route for large whales.

Marine mammals from northeast Atlantic: relationship between their trophic status as determined by delta13C and delta15N measurements and their trace metal concentrations.

The relationship between trophic position through delta13C and delta15N and trace metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, Cu and Hg) was investigated in the tissues of six marine mammal species from the Northeast Atlantic: striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, white beaked-dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris, grey seal Halichoerus grypus stranded on French Channel and Irish coasts. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, white-sided dolphins, common and striped dolphins display the same relative and decreasing trophic position, as measured by delta15N values, along both the Irish and French channel coasts, reflecting conservative trophic habits between these two places. Hepatic and renal Cd concentrations were significantly correlated to muscle delta13C and delta15N values while Hg, Zn and Cu did not. These results suggest that Cd accumulation is partly linked to the diet while other factors such as age or body condition might explain Hg, Zn or Cu variability in marine mammals. Combined stable isotope and trace metal analyses appear to be useful tools for the study of marine mammal ecology.

Helicobacter cetorum sp. nov., a urease-positive Helicobacter species isolated from dolphins and whales.

A novel helicobacter with the proposed name Helicobacter cetorum, sp. nov. (type strain MIT 99-5656; GenBank accession number AF 292378), was cultured from the main stomach of two wild, stranded Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and from the feces of three captive cetaceans (a Pacific white-sided dolphin [Lagenorhynchus obliquidens]; an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin [Tursiops truncatus]; and a beluga whale [Delphinapterus leucas]). The infected captive cetaceans were either subclinical, or clinical signs included intermittent regurgitation, inappetance, weight loss, and lethargy. Ulcers were observed in the esophagus and forestomach during endoscopic examination in two of the three captive animals. In the third animal, esophageal linear erosions were visualized endoscopically, and histopathological evaluation of the main stomach revealed multifocal lymphoplasmacytic gastritis with silver-stained spiral-shaped bacteria. Helicobacter cetorum is a fusiform gram-negative bacterium with a single bipolar flagellum. The isolates grow under microaerobic conditions at 37 and 42 degrees C but not at 25 degrees C. H. cetorum is urease, catalase, and oxidase positive, and it is sensitive to cephalothin. The isolates from the wild, stranded dolphins were sensitive to nalidixic acid, whereas the isolates from the collection animals were resistant. By 16S rRNA sequencing it was determined that H. cetorum represented a distinct taxon that clusters most closely with H. pylori. Further studies are necessary to determine the role of H. cetorum in the development of gastric ulcers and gastritis of cetaceans. This is the first description and formal naming of a novel Helicobacter species from a marine mammal.

Prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. in stranded Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus).

In January 1998 and 1999, two mass strandings of dolphins occurred in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The strandings were composed of 97 and 53 animals, respectively. Tissues from 35 Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) from the 1998 stranding and 52 from the 1999 stranding were examined histologically. In the 1998 stranding, unidentified protozoal tissue cysts were seen in skeletal muscle from 11 of 28 (39%) dolphins. In addition, two dolphins had a protozoal tissue cyst in cardiac muscle. In the 1999 stranding, nine of 23 (39%) dolphins had the same protozoal tissue cysts in skeletal muscle. The identification of these protozoal tissue cysts as Sarcocystis sp. was confirmed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The high prevalence of sarcocysts in these dolphins suggests that they are likely intermediate hosts for previously undescribed Sarcocystis spp. The ultrastructure of the sarcocyst walls suggests that more than one species of Sarcocystis are present in dolphins.

How whales influence herring school dynamics in a cold-front area of the Norwegian Sea

We present the first acoustic observations of predator–prey interactions between fin whales and herring. The school dynamics and predation events of Norwegian spring-spawning herring ( Clupea harengus ) in a cold front area (about 125 km 2 ) in the Norwegian Sea in April were quantified. Data from high-resolution sonar tracking of herring schools combined with echosounder data were integrated with pelagic-trawl samples. A total of 44 herring schools were each observed for an average of 34.8 min. Altogether, 184 behavioural events were recorded, with an event occurring every 8.3 min on average. Intra-school events (compression, reorganization, ring, pseudopodium, elongate, diving, surfacing) were observed every 15.3 min and inter-school events (approach, join, leave, split) every 22.9 min. We observed 17 fin whales ( Balaenoptera physalus ), six Atlantic white-sided dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus acutus ) and five killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) within the experimental area. Predator events occurred every 91 min on average. Of these marine mammals only fin whales swimming alone or in small groups (2–5 ind.) were observed to attack herring. Attacks from fin whales were observed every 170 min. They strongly influenced the density, shape and structure of the herring schools. Large fish such as cod ( Gadus morhua ) and saithe ( Pollachius virens ) preying on herring in coastal areas were not caught in the pelagic trawl or detected by acoustics. Herring schools were on average large (987 m 2 ), dense, swam at depth (148 m) and had a moderate swimming speed (1.1 body lengths per second), reflecting a risk-averse, anti-predator behaviour to marine mammals. We discuss differences in schooling dynamics, anti-predator behaviour, attack frequency and predation risk between herring attacked by fin whales in an offshore area and herring attacked by gadoid predators closer to the coast in a similar study in May.

Abundance of harbour porpoise and other cetaceans in the North Sea and adjacent waters

Summary The status of small cetaceans in the North Sea and adjacent waters has been of concern for many years. Shipboard and aerial line transect surveys were conducted to provide accurate and precise estimates of abundance as a basis for conservation strategy in European waters. The survey, known as SCANS (Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea), was conducted in summer 1994 and designed to generate precise and unbiased abundance estimates. Thus the intensity of survey was high, and data collection and analysis methods allowed for the probability of detection of animals on the transect line being less than unity and, for shipboard surveys, also allowed for animal movement in response to the survey platform. Shipboard transects covered 20 000 km in an area of 890 000 km2. Aerial transects covered 7000 km in an area of 150 000 km2. Three species dominated the data. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena were encountered throughout the survey area except in the Channel and the southern North Sea. Whitebeaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris and minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata were found mainly in the north‐western North Sea. Phocoena phocoena abundance for the entire survey area was estimated as 341 366 [coefficient of variation (CV) = 0·14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 260 000–449 000]. The estimated number of B. acutorostrata was 8445 (CV = 0·24; 95% CI 5000–13 500). The estimate for L. albirostris based on confirmed sightings of this species was 7856 (CV = 0·30; 95% CI = 4000–13 000). When Atlantic whitesided dolphin Lagenorhynchusacutus and Lagenorhynchus spp. sightings were included, this estimate increased to 11 760 (CV = 0·26; 95% CI 5900–18 500). Shortbeaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis were found almost exclusively in the Celtic Sea. Abundance was estimated as 75 450 (CV = 0·67; 95% CI = 23 000–149 000). Current assessments and recommendations by international fora concerning the impact on P. phocoena of bycatch in gillnet fisheries in the North Sea and adjacent waters are based on these estimates.

White-sided dolphin metallothioneins: purification, characterisation and potential role

Metallothioneins (MTs) were characterised in the kidneys of a white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus stranded along the Belgian coast, displaying high levels of cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in liver and kidney. The protein has two isoforms: MT-1 and MT-2. MT-1 binds Cu, Zn, Hg and Cd, while MT-2 only binds Zn, Hg and Cd. This suggests different metabolic functions for the two isoforms: MT-1 is mainly involved in Cu homeostasis; MT-2, which was four-fold more abundant than MT-1, detoxifies most of the accumulated cadmium.

Cadmium-containing granules in kidney tissue of the Atlantic white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhyncusacutus) off the Faroe Islands

Top predators from the northern sub-polar and polar areas exhibit high cadmium concentrations in their tissues. In the aim to reveal possible adverse effects, samples of five Atlantic white-sided dolphins Lagenorhyncus acutus have been collected on the occasion of the drive fishery in the Faroe Islands, for ultrastructural investigations and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses. Cadmium concentrations were less than the limit of detection in both immature individuals and ranged from 22.7 to 31.1 μg g −1 wet weight in the mature individuals. Two individuals with the highest cadmium concentrations exhibited electron dense mineral concretions in the basal membranes of the proximal tubules. They are spherocrystals made up of numerous strata mineral deposit of calcium and phosphorus together with cadmium. Cadmium has been detected with a molar ratio of Ca:Cd of 10:1 in the middle of these concretions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such granules in a wild vertebrate. The role of these granules in the detoxification of the metal and the possible pathological effects are considered.

Cetaceans of the Atlantic Frontier, north and west of Scotland

Surveys carried out to the north and west of Scotland have recorded 15 species of cetacean between 1979 and 1998. These were fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus) , sei whale ( B. borealis) , minke whale ( B. acutorostrata) , humpback whale ( Megaptera novaeangliae) , sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus) , northern bottlenose whale ( Hyperoodon ampullatus) , Sowerby's beaked whale ( Mesoplodon bidens) , killer whale ( Orcinus orca) , long-finned pilot whale ( Globicephala melas) , Atlantic white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus acutus) , white-beaked dolphin ( L. albirostris) , Risso's dolphin ( Grampus griseus) , bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) , common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) and harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena) . Atlantic white-sided dolphin was the most abundant species in the region with a total of 6317 animals recorded. Harbour porpoise was the most frequently sighted cetacean species. The geographical distribution of sightings indicate that cetacean species have varying ecological requirements, with species such as sperm whale, pilot whale and white-sided dolphin favouring deep water off the continental shelf edge, while minke whale, white-beaked dolphin and harbour porpoise were apparently limited to the continental shelf. The diversity of species recorded in the region suggests that the Atlantic Frontier is an important habitat for cetaceans.

BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY OF THE ATLANTIC WHITE‐SIDED DOLPHIN (LAGENORHYNCHUS ACUTUS) IN COASTAL NEW ENGLAND WATERS

AbstractAtlantic white‐sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) are among the most abundant, and least studied, cetaceans in coastal New England. Between April and October 1984 through 1997 we sighted 1,231 groups of Atlantic white‐sided dolphins, primarily on Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge (two shallow glacial deposits along the coasts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine). Mean group size was 52 (≥90.9), and was significantly larger from August through October (71.9 ± 111.4) than April through June (35.0 ± 45.4). Calf sightings were uncommon until June and July, after which they were present in over 50% of groups. Combined with observations of apparent newborn calves, this confirms that early summer is an important calving period. The presence of calves did not, however, solely account for the increase in group size. Boat interaction (bow‐ and stern‐wake riding) was the most commonly recorded behavior (47.4% of sightings), followed by traveling (31.4%), interactions with other cetacean species (27.6%), social interaction (15.5%), and feeding (9.5%). While feeding was uncommon, one observation of apparently coordinated “ball” feeding was seen with sand lance (Ammodytesspp.) as the visible prey. Aerial behavior showed a positive correlation with group size, although it was often impossible to tell whether the same dolphins were leaping repeatedly. Eighty‐eight dolphins were photo‐identified using either unusual body pigment or a distinctive dorsal fin. While several individuals were reidentified between years and between areas, no reidentifications were made within a year in the same area. Unusually pigmented individuals were much more likely to be reidentified than those with distinctive dorsal fins, most likely due to higher visibility. We suggest that Atlantic white‐sided dolphins are generally using the study area as transients in what appears to be a large home range.

Isolation and characterization of a Helicobacter sp. from the gastric mucosa of dolphins, Lagenorhynchus acutus and Delphinus delphis.

Gastric ulcerations in dolphins have been reported for decades. Some of these lesions were associated with parasitic infections. However, cases of nonparasitic gastric ulcers with no clearly defined etiology also have been reported in wild and captive dolphins. Considerable speculation exists as to whether dolphins have Helicobacter-associated gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The stomachs of seven stranded Atlantic white-sided dolphins, Lagenorhynchus acutus, and 1 common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, were assessed for the presence of Helicobacter species. Novel Helicobacter species were identified by culture in the gastric mucosa of two of the eight dolphins studied and by PCR in seven of the eight dolphins. The gram-negative organisms were urease, catalase, and oxidase positive. Spiral to fusiform bacteria were detected in gastric mucosa by Warthin Starry staining. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate diffuse lymphoplasmacytic gastritis within the superficial mucosa of the main stomach. The pyloric stomach was less inflamed, and bacteria did not extend deep into the glands. The lesions parallel those observed in Helicobacter pylori-infected humans. Bacteria from two dolphins classified by 16S rRNA analysis clustered with gastric helicobacters and represent a novel Helicobacter sp. most closely related to H. pylori. These findings suggest that a novel Helicobacter sp. may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of gastritis and gastric ulcers in dolphins. To our knowledge this represents the first isolation and characterization of a novel Helicobacter sp. from a marine mammal and emphasizes the wide host distribution and pathogenic potential of this increasingly important genus.

Isolation and characterization of urease positive novel Heucobacter spp isolated from gastric mucosa of white sided dolphins (lagenorhynchus acutus)

Isolation and characterization of urease positive novel Heucobacter spp isolated from gastric mucosa of white sided dolphins (lagenorhynchus acutus)

Incidental catches of marine-mammals in pelagic trawl fisheries of the northeast Atlantic

Marine mammal by-catch in 11 pelagic trawl fisheries operated by four different countries in the northeast Atlantic was studied. Observers accompanied commercial fishing vessels and monitored 374 tows totalling 1771 h of towing during 377 days fishing. Three species of marine mammal were identified in by-catches (white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus, common dolphin, Delphinus delphis and grey seal Halichoerus grypus) and a fourth, bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, was probably present. Dolphins were caught in four of the 11 fisheries and seal in one. In those fisheries with cetacean by-catch, rates varied from 0.0606 to 0.1000 per tow and 0.0107 to 0.0137 per hour of towing and were highest in the French sea bass fishery and lowest in the French tuna fishery. Grey seals were caught in the Irish Celtic Sea herring fishery at a rate of 0.0513 per tow or 0.0396 per hour of towing. The mean ±SD dolphin catch rate for all fisheries combined was 0.048±0.013 per tow (one dolphin per 20.7 tows), or 0.0185±0.0019 per hour of towing (one dolphin per 98 h of towing) and, for all marine mammals, 0.059±0.019 (1 per 17.0 tows) or 0.0124±0.0121 (1 per 80.6 h of towing). 95% confidence intervals, calculated on untransformed data, for all fisheries combined were 0.4–1.6 dolphins per 100 h of towing. No operational factors were correlated with by-catch rates but the haul-back procedure was identified as a potentially important factor. All dolphin by-catches occurred during the night which may be a due to an association between cetaceans and trawlers at night. White-sided dolphins and grey seals were observed feeding around the net during towing and this behaviour may make them more vulnerable to capture. Operational difficulties in observing by-catch and potentially significant annual fluctuation in catch rates warrant further observer studies of these and other trawl fisheries.

HEMATOLOGY VALUES OF WILD HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) FROM THE BAY OF FUNDY, CANADA

AbstractClinical hematology values were determined for 29 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Erythrocyte values exhibited narrow ranges, but there was a high degree of individual variability in counts of white blood cells. Total white cell counts ranged from 2.6 to 15.5 ± 109/liter, with an overall mean of 6.5 ± 2.7 ± 10±/liter. There were significant differences among reproductive classes in mean values of total red blood cells, hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCHC) and total monocyte count. Wild harbor porpoises had fewer white blood cells, lower relative total number of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and higher percentages of monocytes and eosinophils than reported in the literature for captive porpoises. Compared to published values for other odontocetes, the hemograms of harbor porpoises were most similar to those of Pacific white‐sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus). These hematology data represent a baseline from free‐ranging harbor porpoises that can be used as a reference for long‐term monitoring of the health of this population and as a tool for rehabilitation facilities.