Jensen, S.-K., Lacaze, J.-P., Hermann, G., Kershaw, J., Brownlow, A. , Turner, A. and Hall, A. (2015) Detection and effects of harmful algal toxins in Scottish harbour seals and potential links to population decline. Toxicon: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the Toxins Derived from Animals, Plants and Microorganisms, 97, pp. 1-14. (doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.002) (PMID:25666120)
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Abstract
Over the past 15 years or so, several Scottish harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) populations have declined in abundance and several factors have been considered as possible causes, including toxins from harmful algae. Here we explore whether a link could be established between two groups of toxins, domoic acid (DA) and saxitoxins (STXs), and the decline in the harbour seal populations in Scotland. We document the first evidence that harbour seals are exposed to both DA and STXs from consuming contaminated fish. Both groups of toxins were found in urine and faeces sampled from live captured (n = 162) and stranded animals (n = 23) and in faecal samples collected from seal haul-out sites (n = 214) between 2008 and 2013. The proportion of positive samples and the toxins levels measured in the excreta were significantly higher in areas where harbour seal abundance is in decline. There is also evidence that DA has immunomodulatory effects in harbour seals, including lymphocytopenia and monocytosis. Scottish harbour seals are exposed to DA and STXs through contaminated prey at potentially lethal levels and with this evidence we suggest that exposure to these toxins are likely to be important factors driving the harbour seal decline in some regions of Scotland.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The authors acknowledge the financial support by the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Brownlow, Dr Andrew |
| Authors: | Jensen, S.-K., Lacaze, J.-P., Hermann, G., Kershaw, J., Brownlow, A., Turner, A., and Hall, A. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Toxicon: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the Toxins Derived from Animals, Plants and Microorganisms |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0041-0101 |
| Published Online: | 07 February 2015 |
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