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inter-species differences for polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in marine top predators from the southern north sea: part 1. accumulation patterns in harbour seals and harbour porpoises.harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena) and harbour seals (phoca vitulina) are two representative top predator species of the north sea ecosystem. the median values of sum of 21 polychlorinated biphenyl (pcb) congeners and sum of 10 polybrominated diphenyl ether (pbde) congeners were 23.1 microg/g lipid weight (lw) and 0.33 microg/g lw in blubber of harbour seals (n=28) and 12.4 microg/g lw and 0.76 microg/g lw in blubber of harbour porpoises (n=35), respectively. for both species, the highest pcb ...200918954926
terrestrial apnoeas and the development of cardiac control in australian fur seal (arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) pups.the development of cardiac control in association with terrestrial respiration patterns was examined throughout the period of maternal dependence in australian fur seal pups. resting eupnoic heart rate and respiration rate were significantly correlated (r (2) = 0.49) and both decreased with age (p < 0.05 in both cases). from an early age (1 month), pups displayed terrestrial apnoeas (18.1 +/- 0.5 s) accompanied by substantial bradycardia (127 beats min(-1), a 13% decrease from eupnoic hr). terre ...200918985355
seasonal energetics of northern phocid seals.the metabolic rate of harp (pagophilus groenlandicus), harbor (phoca vitulina), and ringed seals (pusa hispida) was measured at various temperatures in air and water to estimate basal metabolic rates (bmrs) in these species. the basal rate and body composition of three harp seals were also measured throughout the year to examine the extent to which they vary seasonally. marine mammalian carnivores generally have bmrs that are over three times the rates expected from body mass in mammals generall ...200919049825
specific accumulation of perfluorochemicals in harbor seals (phoca vitulina concolor) from the northwest atlantic.concentrations of perfluorochemicals (pfcs) including perfluoroalkylsulfonates (pfsas), and perfluoroalkylcarboxylates (pfcas) were determined in liver of harbor seals (n=68) collected from the northwest atlantic between 2000 and 2007. of ten pfcs measured, perfluorooctane sulfonate (pfos) concentrations were the highest in liver (8-1388 ng/g, ww), followed by perfluoroundecanoic acid (pfunda) (<1-30.7 ng/g, ww). an unusual accumulation profile of long-chain (c7-c12) pfcas, and the predominance ...200919101009
accumulation features and temporal trends of pcdds, pcdfs and pcbs in baikal seals (pusa sibirica).this study investigated the accumulation features and temporal trends of pcdd/fs, dioxin-like pcbs (dl-pcbs) and non-dioxin-like pcbs (ndl-pcbs) in the blubber of baikal seals collected in 1992 and 2005. dl-pcbs (480-3600ng/g) and ndl-pcbs (980-35,000ng/g) were dominant contaminants. concentrations of pcdds and pcbs in males were significantly higher than in females. in males, age-dependent accumulation was observed for pcdds, mono-ortho pcbs and ndl-pcbs. pcdfs and non-ortho pcbs showed no such ...200919110354
eastern equine encephalitis in a captive harbor seal (phoca vitulina).a 31-yr-old male, captive harbor seal (phoca vitulina) was evaluated for a 48-hr period of anorexia followed by the onset of seizures. a prolonged seizure failed to respond to anticonvulsant therapy and the animal was euthanized. at necropsy, no significant gross lesions were identified. reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing of brain samples was positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (eeev) rna, and serum was positive for anti-eeev antibodies by plaque reduction neutral ...200819110708
total body burden and tissue distribution of polyfluorinated compounds in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from the german bight.total body burden and tissue distribution of polyfluorinated compounds (pfcs) were investigated in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from the german bight in 2007. a total number of 18 individual pfcs from the following groups could be quantified in the different tissues: perfluorinated carboxylic acids (pfcas) and perfluorinated sulfonates (pfsas) and their precursors perfluorinated sulfinates (pfsias), perfluorinated sulfonamides, and sulfonamido ethanols. perfluorooctanesulfonate (pfos) was the p ...200919121527
polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (oh-pcbs) in livers of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from san francisco bay, california and gulf of maine.bioaccumulation of endocrine disruptors in marine mammals positioned at the top of the food chain is of toxicological concern. livers from four pups and ten adult harbor seals (phoca vitulina) stranded in san francisco bay (sfb) and the gulf of maine (gom) were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (oh-pcbs). we used gc-ecd and gc-nci/ms to investigate the presence of 28 pcbs and 8 oh-pcb metabolites, respectively. sigma(28)pcb concentrations (di- to oc ...200919150735
gas bubbles in seals, dolphins, and porpoises entangled and drowned at depth in gillnets.gas bubbles were found in 15 of 23 gillnet-drowned bycaught harp (pagophilus groenlandicus), harbor (phoca vitulina) and gray (halichoerus grypus) seals, common (delphinus delphis) and white-sided (lagenorhyncus acutus) dolphins, and harbor porpoises (phocaena phocaena) but in only 1 of 41 stranded marine mammals. cases with minimal scavenging and bloating were chilled as practical and necropsied within 24 to 72 hours of collection. bubbles were commonly visible grossly and histologically in byc ...200919176498
underwater detection of tonal signals between 0.125 and 100 khz by harbor seals (phoca vitulina).the underwater hearing sensitivities of two 1-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a pool built for acoustic research, using a behavioral psychoacoustic technique. the animals were trained to respond when they detected an acoustic signal and not to respond when they did not (go/no-go response). pure tones (0.125-0.25 khz) and narrowband frequency modulated (tonal) signals (center frequencies 0.5-100 khz) of 900 ms duration were tested. thresholds at each frequency were measured using ...200919206895
multiple hypothesis testing and the declining-population paradigm in steller sea lions.we describe a novel spatially and temporally detailed approach for determining the cause or causes of a population decline, using the western alaskan population of steller sea lions (eumetopias jubatus) as an example. existing methods are mostly based on regression, which limits their utility when there are multiple hypotheses to consider and the data are sparse and noisy. our likelihood-based approach is unbiased with regard to sample size, and its posterior probability landscape allows for the ...200819263889
bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in the northwest atlantic marine food web.seven species of teleost fishes comprising major prey of northwest atlantic harbor seals were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes). pbde concentrations in whole fish samples (n=87) were compared with those measured previously in harbor seal blubber to evaluate the transfer of pbdes from prey to predator. hexabromocyclododecane (hbcd) concentrations were measured in three fish species to provide an initial estimation of hbcd contamination in this ecosystem. hbcd was detected in 87% ...200919269019
neurological signs in juvenile harbour seals (phoca vitulina) with fatal phocine distemper.in 2002, the northern european harbour seal (phoca vitulina) population experienced an epidemic of phocine distemper virus (pdv) in which 22,000 seals died. clinical signs were recorded in 20 harbour seal pups admitted to the seal rehabilitation and research centre with clinical disease, and they were diagnosed pdv infection-positive by rt-pcr postmortem. all 20 had respiratory signs, 14 had conjunctivitis and 10 had neurological signs. severe neurological signs were one of the criteria for euth ...200919287028
concentrations of chlorinated and brominated contaminants and their metabolites in serum of harbour seals and harbour porpoises.harbour seals (phoca vitulina) and harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena) are top predators in the north sea and consequently accumulate a variety of pollutants in their tissues. concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) and their hydroxylated metabolites (ho-pcbs and ho-pbdes) were measured in serum of wild harbour seals (n=47) and captive harbour porpoises (n=21). both species exhibit long life spans and do not have extreme situations, such as co ...200919303641
aerial visual acuity in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) as a function of luminance.in this study, we measured aerial visual acuity in harbor seals. as a first approach to the hypothesis that harbor seals can obtain acute aerial visual acuity mediated by the interaction of the vertical slit-shaped pupil and the corneal flattening although refractive measurements had revealed aerial myopia, visual acuity was tested as a function of luminance and pupil dilation. we analyzed aerial visual acuity (minimal resolvable stripe width) in three harbor seals in a two-alternative-forced-ch ...200919360415
characterization of haptoglobin in the blood plasma of harbor seals (phoca vitulina).haptoglobin (hp) is one of the acute phase proteins (app) in the blood of vertebrates that is involved in immune responses. hp concentrations are found to vary under conditions of, for example, infection, trauma or cancer. these variations and the changes in its constitution are frequently used to assess the health status of mammals. in this work, hp from the blood plasma of diseased and healthy harbor seals was isolated and structurally characterized. the process developed for the isolation of ...200919371135
temporal trends of polyfluoroalkyl compounds in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from the german bight, 1999-2008.temporal trends of polyfluoroalkyl compounds (pfcs) were examined in liver samples from harbor seals (phoca vitulina) collected from the german bight (1999-2008). concentrations of various pfcs, including c(4)-c(10) perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (pfsas), perfluorooctane sulfinate (pfosi), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (fosa) and c(8)-c(15) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (pfcas) were quantified. perfluorooctane sulfonate (pfos) was the predominant compound with a maximum concentration of 3676 ng g(-1) ...200919394671
fishing gear-related injury in california marine wildlife.we reviewed medical records from select wildlife rehabilitation facilities in california to determine the prevalence of injury in california brown pelicans (pelecanus occidentalis), gulls (larus spp.), and pinniped species (zalophus californianus, mirounga angustirostris, and phoca vitulina) due to fishing gear entanglement and ingestion from 2001 to 2006. of 9,668 brown pelican, gull, and pinniped cases described during the 6-yr study period (2001-06), 1,090 (11.3%) were fishing gear-related. p ...200919395745
identification of a bartonella species in the harbor seal (phoca vitulina) and in seal lice (echinophtirius horridus).to explore whether harbor seals (phoca vitulina) are exposed to bartonella spp., 35 seal lice (echinophtirius horridus) were collected from seven seals, during their rehabilitation period in the seal rehabilitation and research center at pieterburen, the netherlands. forty-eight spleen samples were collected during necropsies of other harbor seals that died during rehabilitation, or had stranded dead and were brought to the seal rehabilitation and research center for postmortem investigation. li ...200919402763
polybrominated diphenyl ethers in pinnipeds stranded along the southern california coast.little to no information exists for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) in marine mammals frequenting the highly urbanized southern california (usa) coast. fourteen pbde congeners were determined by gc-ecni-ms in blubber of pinnipeds stranded locally between 1994 and 2006. total pbde concentrations (sigmapbde) in california sea lion (n = 63) ranged from 0.04 to 33.7 microg/g wet weight (mean: 5.24 microg/g). to our knowledge, these are the highest reported pbde levels in marine mammals to dat ...200919487060
validation of a homologous canine relaxin radioimmunoassay and application with pregnant and non-pregnant northern fur seals (callorhinus ursinus).the primary objectives of this study were to validate a canine relaxin ria for use in otariids and phocids and consider practical applications. for 6 captive northern fur seal females, serum samples were grouped and examined according to pregnancy (n=13), post-partum (n=8) and non-pregnancy (n=6), and, for 2 captive northern fur seal males, serum samples were grouped and examined together regardless of age (2 mo-15 yrs, n=6). placental tissue was available for examination from one northern fur s ...201019501094
underwater noise from three types of offshore wind turbines: estimation of impact zones for harbor porpoises and harbor seals.underwater noise was recorded from three different types of wind turbines in denmark and sweden (middelgrunden, vindeby, and bockstigen-valar) during normal operation. wind turbine noise was only measurable above ambient noise at frequencies below 500 hz. total sound pressure level was in the range 109-127 db re 1 micropa rms, measured at distances between 14 and 20 m from the foundations. the 1/3-octave noise levels were compared with audiograms of harbor seals and harbor porpoises. maximum 1/3 ...200919507958
phocine distemper virus in northern sea otters in the pacific ocean, alaska, usa.phocine distemper virus (pdv) has caused 2 epidemics in harbor seals in the atlantic ocean but had never been identified in any pacific ocean species. we found that northern sea otters in alaska are infected with pdv, which has created a disease threat to several sympatric and decreasing pacific marine mammals.200919523293
concurrent occipital bone malformation and atlantoaxial subluxation in a neonatal harbor seal (phoca vitulina).a stranded male harbor seal (phoca vitulina) neonate with progressive clinical signs of ataxia, tremors, and deteriorating consciousness was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging for suspected cerebellar brain disease prior to euthanasia because of grave prognosis. magnetic resonance imaging identified occipital bone dysplasia with cerebellar herniation and concurrent atlantoaxial subluxation with spinal cord compression. these imaging findings elucidated the cause of histopathology changes ...200919569493
underwater hearing sensitivity of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) for narrow noise bands between 0.2 and 80 khz.the underwater hearing sensitivities of two 1.5-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a quiet pool built specifically for acoustic research, by using a behavioral psychoacoustic technique. the animals were trained to respond when they detected an acoustic signal and not to respond when they did not ("go/no-go" response). fourteen narrowband noise signals (1/3-octave bands but with some energy in adjacent bands), at 1/3-octave center frequencies of 0.2-80 khz, and of 900 ms duration, we ...200919603905
re-alimentation in harbor seal pups: effects on the somatotropic axis and growth rate.the metabolic hormones, growth hormone (gh) and insulin-like growth factor (igf)-i, together with igf binding proteins (igfbp), have been well studied in domestic species and are the primary components of the somatotropic axis. this hormone axis is responsive to nutrient intake, associated with growth rate, and accretion of protein and adipose. however, this relationship has not been evaluated in species that rely heavily on adipose stores for survival, such as pinnipeds. the primary objectives ...201019607831
retinal ganglion cell topography in juvenile harbor seals (phoca vitulina).retinal topography in juvenile harbor seals (phoca vitulina) was analyzed in retinal wholemounts stained with cresyl violet. a region of highest ganglion cell density, i.e., an area centralis, was identified in the temporal retina at a mean distance of 7.7 mm from the papilla (mean peak ganglion cell density 3,952 cells/mm(2)). with an estimated posterior nodal distance of 21 mm, this value corresponds to 531 cells/deg(2). retinal resolution was calculated as 11.5 cycles/deg under water and 8.7 ...200919690408
identification of hydroxylated metabolites of hexabromocyclododecane in wildlife and 28-days exposed wistar rats.we studied the presence of hydroxylated metabolites of hexabromocyclododecane (hbcd) in three wildlife species (tern egg, seal, and flounder) and in wistar rats exposed to 30 and 100 mg hbcd/kg bw/day for 28 days. a nondestructive extraction, fractionation, and cleanup method was developed to separate the hydroxylated hbcd metabolites from the biotic sample matrix. four different groups of hydroxylated hbcd metabolites were identified in rat adipose, liver, lung, and muscle tissues by liquid and ...200919731718
evaluation of hematologic and biochemical values for convalescing seals from the coast of maine.marine mammal researchers and veterinarians evaluate the health of individuals and populations by using observed ranges for blood values. the goal of this study was to establish observed ranges for dependent (0-4 week) and weanling (>4 week) harbor seal (phoca vitulina) pups that were admitted for rehabilitation at the marine animal lifeline in portland, maine from 1998-2003 and to record changes in hematologic and biochemical values as they convalesced. blood values, measured both at admission ...200919746855
acute phase protein haptoglobin in blood plasma samples of harbour seals (phoca vitulina) of the wadden sea and of the isle helgoland.haptoglobin (hp) which is synthesized in response to infection, inflammation, trauma or toxicological damage is known as a major acute phase protein in numerous species. quantification of the circulating concentration of this protein can provide an objective measure of the health status, but there is a lack of investigations on harbour seals. we investigated the hp concentration in samples of 123 seals (phoca vitulina) from the german and danish wadden sea to study physiological ranges of hp lev ...201019818410
complete mitochondrial genome of the korean spotted seal phoca largha (mammalia, pinnipedia, phocidae): genetic differences between p. largha and phoca vitulina. 200919900058
growth variation in skull morphology of kuril harbor seals (phoca vitulina stejnegeri) and spotted seals (phoca largha) in hokkaido, japan.we examined morphological growth variations in skull features between the kuril harbor seal and the spotted seal in hokkaido, japan. skulls from 80 kuril harbor seals and 41 spotted seals were collected, and we measured 29 metric and 6 non-metric cranial characteristics. three growth classes were defined according to the postnatal developmental stage: pups (0 year), subadults (1-4 years old) and adults (more than 5 years old). we detected sexual dimorphism in kuril harbor seal pups, subadults, a ...200920025123
toxic effects of various pollutants in 11b7501 lymphoma b cell line from harbour seal (phoca vitulina).although, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) have been reported at high levels in marine mammals, little is known about the toxic effects of some of these contaminants. in this study, we assessed the immunotoxic and genotoxic effects of seven heavy metals (arsenic, vanadium, selenium, iron, zinc, silver and chromium) and one pah (benzo[a]pyrene or b[a]p) on a lymphoma b cell line from harbour seal (phoca vitulina). a significant reduction in lymphocyte proliferation was reg ...201020116412
transmission of lungworms of harbour porpoises and harbour seals: molecular tools determine potential vertebrate intermediate hosts.harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena) and harbour seals (phoca vitulina) from german waters are infected by six species of lungworms (metastrongyloidea). these nematodes parasitise the respiratory tract, are pathogenic and often cause secondary bacterial infections. in spite of their clinical and epidemiological significance, the life cycle and biology of lungworms in the marine environment is still largely unknown. regions of ribosomal dna (its-2) of all lungworms parasitising harbour porpoises ...201020123100
effects of methyl-, phenyl-, ethylmercury and mercurychlorid on immune cells of harbor seals (phoca vitulina).mercury (hg) is present in the marine environment as a natural metal often enhanced through human activities. depending on its chemical form, hg can cause a wide range of immunotoxic effects. in this study, the influence of methyl-, ethyl- and phenylmercury as well as mercurychloride on immune functions was evaluated. two parameters of cellular immunity, proliferation and mrna cytokine expression of interleukin-2, -4, and transforming growth factor beta, were investigated in harbor seal lymphocy ...200920131603
the effect of signal duration on the underwater hearing thresholds of two harbor seals (phoca vitulina) for single tonal signals between 0.2 and 40 khz.the underwater hearing sensitivities of two 2-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a pool built for acoustic research by using a behavioral psycho-acoustic technique. the animals were trained only to respond when they detected an acoustic signal ("go/no-go" response). detection thresholds were obtained for pure tone signals (frequencies: 0.2-40 khz; durations: 0.5-5000 ms, depending on the frequency; 59 frequency-duration combinations). detection thresholds were quantified by varying ...201020136234
postnatal development of muscle biochemistry in nursing harbor seal (phoca vitulina) pups: limitations to diving behavior?adult marine mammal muscles rely upon a suite of adaptations for sustained aerobic metabolism in the absence of freely available oxygen (o(2)). although the importance of these adaptations for supporting aerobic diving patterns of adults is well understood, little is known about postnatal muscle development in young marine mammals. however, the typical pattern of vertebrate muscle development, and reduced tissue o(2) stores and diving ability of young marine mammals suggest that the physiologica ...201020140678
characterization of trpc2, an essential genetic component of vns chemoreception, provides insights into the evolution of pheromonal olfaction in secondary-adapted marine mammals.pheromones are chemical cues released and sensed by individuals of the same species, which are of major importance in regulating reproductive and social behaviors of mammals. generally, they are detected by the vomeronasal system (vns). here, we first investigated and compared an essential genetic component of vomeronasal chemoreception, that is, trpc2 gene, of four marine mammals varying the degree of aquatic specialization and related terrestrial species in order to provide insights into the e ...201020142439
genetic variation in the harbor seal (phoca vitulina) and spotted seal (phoca largha) around hokkaido, japan, based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences.the harbor seal (phoca vitulina) and spotted seal (phoca largha) are the main seal species around hokkaido, japan. while some investigations have been conducted on the ecology and morphology of these two species, there is a lack of genetic information. we studied variation in mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences in the two species. fifteen haplotypes were observed in 39 harbor seals from erimo, akkeshi, and nosappu, and 23 were observed in 31 spotted seals from erimo, akkeshi, nosappu, rausu, ya ...201020192695
viral protein expression and phenotyping of inflammatory responses in the central nervous system of phocine distemper virus-infected harbor seals (phoca vitulina).the central nervous system (cns) represents an important target organ of the phocine distemper virus (pdv). the aim of the present study was to characterize pathological changes in the cns of harbor seals suffering from natural pdv-infection. the distribution of virus protein and mrna was investigated by immunohistochemistry (ihc) and in situ hybridization, respectively. in addition, inflammatory and glial cells were characterized by ihc. polioencephalitis with glial activation, neuronal death a ...201020303682
the identification of a new giardia duodenalis assemblage in marine vertebrates and a preliminary analysis of g. duodenalis population biology in marine systems.giardia duodenalis is an intestinal parasite of many vertebrates. the presence of g. duodenalis in the marine environment due to anthropogenic and wildlife activity is well documented, including the contributions from untreated sewage and storm water, agricultural run-off and droppings from terrestrial animals. recently, studies have detected this protistan parasite in the faeces of marine vertebrates such as whales, dolphins, seals and shore birds. to explore the population biology of g. duoden ...201020361967
comparison of the 1988 and 2002 phocine distemper epizootics in british harbour seal phoca vitulina populations.in 1988 and 2002 dramatic and well-documented phocine distemper epizootics occurred in europe. while their progression and impact were remarkably similar and consistent over much of europe, mortality in the uk varied greatly between and within the 2 epizootics. we use antibody levels in blood samples to show that 51% (bayesian 95% ci: 41 to 61%) of the individuals alive in 5 uk harbour seal populations at the end of the 1988 epizootic had been exposed to the virus, and that the equivalent figure ...201020377007
aversiveness of sounds in phocid seals: psycho-physiological factors, learning processes and motivation.aversiveness of sounds and its underlying physiological mechanisms in mammals are poorly understood. in this study we tested the influence of psychophysical parameters, motivation and learning processes on the aversiveness of anthropogenic underwater noise in phocid seals (halichoerus grypus and phoca vitulina). we compared behavioural responses of seals to playbacks of sounds based on a model of sensory unpleasantness for humans, sounds from acoustic deterrent devices and sounds with assumed ne ...201020400639
hydrodynamic determination of the moving direction of an artificial fin by a harbour seal (phoca vitulina).harbour seals can use their vibrissal system to detect and follow hydrodynamic trails left by moving objects. in this study we determined the maximum time after which a harbour seal could indicate the moving direction of an artificial fish tail and analysed the hydrodynamic parameters allowing the discrimination. hydrodynamic trails were generated using a fin-like paddle moving from left to right or from right to left in the calm water of an experimental box. the blindfolded seal was able to rec ...201020543117
immunohistochemical characterization of selected cell markers for the detection of hematopoietic cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded lymphoid tissues of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) and walruses (odobenus rosmarus rosmarus).to facilitate a detailed investigation of pinniped lymphoid organs, 30 monoclonal antibodies (mab) as well as eight polyclonal antibodies (pab) of different species specificities directed against cell antigens of the hematopoietic system were tested for immunohistochemical cross-reactivity on formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissues of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) and a walrus (odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). six monoclonal and eight polyclonal antibodies showed specific immunoreactivities. l ...201020566219
earlier pupping in harbour seals, phoca vitulina.the annual reproductive cycle of most seal species is characterized by a tight synchrony of births. typically, timing of birth shows little inter-annual variation. here, however we show that harbour seals phoca vitulina from the wadden sea (southeast north sea) have shortened their yearly cycle, moving parturition to earlier dates since the early 1970s. between 1974 and 2009, the birth date of harbour seals shifted on average by -0.71 d yr⁻¹, three and a half weeks (25 days) earlier, in the dutc ...201020591851
harbor seal vibrissa morphology suppresses vortex-induced vibrations.harbor seals (phoca vitulina) often live in dark and turbid waters, where their mystacial vibrissae, or whiskers, play an important role in orientation. besides detecting and discriminating objects by direct touch, harbor seals use their whiskers to analyze water movements, for example those generated by prey fish or by conspecifics. even the weak water movements left behind by objects that have passed by earlier can be sensed and followed accurately (hydrodynamic trail following). while scannin ...201020639428
detection of a respiratory coronavirus from tissues archived during a pneumonia epizootic in free-ranging pacific harbor seals phoca vitulina richardsii.in june 2000, 21 adult harbor seals phoca vitulina richardsii were found dead along a localized section of the central california coast. necropsy of 5 fresh carcasses revealed pulmonary congestion, consolidation, and hemorrhage. histopathological changes in lungs from 2 of these seals included a necrotizing lymphocytic and histocytic lobar pneumonia with intra-lesional bacteria. a coronavirus (cov) was detected in archived tissues from 1 of the 5 seals via a degenerate pcr for nidoviral rna-depe ...201020662367
a dermal melanoma in a young common seal (phoca vitulina).a subcutaneous melanocytic tumor was diagnosed during the rehabilitation period of a stranded 7-mo-old common seal (phoca vitulina) suffering from parasitic bronchopneumonia. the clinical signs of the seal as well as the histopathology of the tumor are described. this is the first time a melanocytic tumor has been diagnosed in a common seal. the mass was identified as a low-grade dermal melanoma.201020688649
pathology and epidemiology of phocid herpesvirus-1 in wild and rehabilitating harbor seals (phoca vitulina richardsi) in the northeastern pacific.phocid herpesvirus-1 (phhv-1, subfamily alphaherpesvirinae) was isolated from harbor seals (phoca vitulina vitulina) in the netherlands in 1985, and was subsequently identified in pacific harbor seals (phoca vitulina richardsi) from california, usa in the 1990s. phhv-1-associated pathology was first recognized in harbor seal carcasses submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in abbotsford, british columbia, canada in 2000, and 63 cases were identified by 2008. a review of these cases indi ...201020688721
first health and pollution study on harbor seals (phoca vitulina) living in the german elbe estuary.the elbe is one of the major rivers releasing pollutants into the coastal areas of the german north sea. its estuary represents the habitat of a small population of harbor seals (phoca vitulina). only little is known about the health status and contamination levels of these seals. therefore, a first-ever seal catch was organized next to the islands of neuwerk and scharhörn in the region of the hamburg wadden sea national park. the investigations included a broad set of health parameters and the ...201020701929
risk factors associated with cataracts and lens luxations in captive pinnipeds in the united states and the bahamas.to determine risk factors for lens luxation and cataracts in captive pinnipeds in the united states and the bahamas.201020707754
food web bioaccumulation model for polychlorinated biphenyls in san francisco bay, california, usa.we document the development and application of a food web bioaccumulation model for polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) in san francisco bay, california, usa. the model calculates spatial distributions of pcb concentrations in a range of invertebrate, fish, avian, and mammalian organisms, including harbor seals, double-crested cormorants, and forster's terns. the performance of the model is evaluated against independent empirical pcb concentrations and shows a mean deviation between observed and mo ...201020821583
risk-based analysis of polychlorinated biphenyl toxicity in harbor seals.persistent organic pollutants (pops) have been associated with adverse health effects in marine mammals. however, the complex mixtures to which free-ranging populations are exposed constrain the elucidation of cause-and-effect relationships between specific pops and the observed health risks. in this study, we 1) assembled data from studies showing polychlorinated biphenyl (pcb)-associated effects on the health of free-ranging harbor seals in the northeastern pacific ocean, 2) carried out additi ...201020872644
the impact of glide phases on the trackability of hydrodynamic trails in harbour seals (phoca vitulina).the mystacial vibrissae of harbour seals (phoca vitulina) constitute a highly sensitive hydrodynamic receptor system enabling the seals to detect and follow hydrodynamic trails. in the wild, hydrodynamic trails, as generated by swimming fish, consist of cyclic burst-and-glide phases, associated with various differences in the physical parameters of the trail. here, we investigated the impact of glide phases on the trackability of differently aged hydrodynamic trails in a harbour seal. as fish ar ...201020952623
hydrodynamic trail following in a california sea lion (zalophus californianus).the mystacial vibrissae of pinnipeds constitute a sensory system for active touch and detection of hydrodynamic events. harbour seals (phoca vitulina) and california sea lions (zalophus californianus) can both detect hydrodynamic stimuli caused by a small sphere vibrating in the water (hydrodynamic dipole stimuli). hydrodynamic trail following has only been shown in harbour seals. hydrodynamical and biomechanical studies of single vibrissae of the two species showed that the specialized undulate ...201120959994
hematology and serum chemistry in stranded and wild-caught harbor seals in central california: reference intervals, predictors of survival, and parameters affecting blood variables.blood was collected from stranded harbor seal (phoca vitulina) pups at admission (n=64) and release (n=45) from rehabilitation in 2007 and 2008 and from wild-caught harbor seal pups, subadults, and adults (n=110) in 2004, 2007, and 2008. blood values measured at the time of admission were not predictive of survival during rehabilitation. mass was associated with survival until release, and all pups that died weighed less than 10 kg at the time of admission. döhle bodies were observed in leukocyt ...201020966268
contrast sensitivity in a harbor seal (phoca vitulina).in this study, the contrast sensitivity function (csf) of one harbor seal was determined behaviorally in a go-/no-go-experiment at an ambient light of 0.9 lx in air. contrast sensitivity was assessed as the reciprocal value of the threshold contrast for spatial frequencies varying between 0.03 and 1.5 cycles/deg, which were displayed with contrast ranging from 0.02 to 1 on a tft monitor with a mean luminance of 3.8 cd/m². the csf of the harbor seal shows the general characteristics described for ...201120981455
phylogenetic analysis of marine mammal herpesviruses.five novel dna-dependent dna polymerase (dpol) herpesviral sequences were generated using nested consensus polymerase chain reaction (pcr) in clinical samples from a harbor seal (phoca vitulina), bottlenose dolphin (tursiops truncatus), orca (orcinus orca), california sea lion (zalophus californianus), and a phocid herpesvirus 2 (phhv-2) isolate from a harbor seal (used as positive control). these novel sequences and other representative herpesvirus sequences were included in bayesian and maximu ...201021055885
metallomics approach for the identification of the iron transport protein transferrin in the blood of harbour seals (phoca vitulina).the health status of marine mammals such as harbour seals (phoca vitulina) represents an indirect but powerful way for the assessment of environmental changes. the present work illustrates the first investigation and characterisation of tf isolated from blood samples of north sea harbour seals with a view to using changes in tf isoform patterns as an additional parameter in extended studies of their health status. therefore, an hplc-icp-ms approach has been developed which allows the highly reso ...201021072359
development, validation, and utilization of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against brucella species in marine mammals.a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (celisa) was developed by using a whole-cell antigen from a marine brucella sp. isolated from a harbor seal (phoca vitulina). the assay was designed to screen sera from multiple marine mammal species for the presence of antibodies against marine-origin brucella. based on comparisons with culture-confirmed cases, specificity and sensitivity for cetacean samples tested were 73% and 100%, respectively. for pinniped samples, specificity and sensitivity ...201021088168
acoustic characteristics of ultrasonic coded transmitters for fishery applications: could marine mammals hear them?ultrasonic coded transmitters (ucts) producing frequencies of 69-83 khz are used increasingly to track fish and invertebrates in coastal and estuarine waters. to address concerns that they might be audible to marine mammals, acoustic properties of ucts were measured off mission beach, san diego, and at the u.s. navy transdec facility. a regression model fitted to vemco uct data yielded an estimated source level of 147 db re 1 μpa spl @ 1 m and spreading constant of 14.0. based on transdec measur ...201021110617
pbdes in serum and blubber of harbor, grey and harp seal pups from eastern canada.serum and blubber of pup harbor (phoca vitulina), grey (halichoerus grypus) and harp (phoca groenlandica) seals from the estuary and the gulf of st. lawrence were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes). concentrations of ∑pbdes (on lipid weight basis) in tissues of harbor seal pups inhabiting the st. lawrence estuary were about five times higher than in those from a colony located in the northern gulf. harp seal pups have the lowest levels of ∑pbdes among the seal species born in th ...201021112068
mass mortality in marine mammals: its implications for population dynamics and genetics.the death of tens of thousands of common seals (phoca vitulina) around the coast of europe in 1988 provoked wide interest in the popular press, but it also raised questions about the importance of mass mortality in the dynamics of marine mammal populations. here, we summarize published information on the occurrence of mass mortalities among marine mammals and review the mathematical models that have been developed to investigate the role of such disasters in population dynamics. we conclude that ...199021232367
congenital neuroglial heterotopia in a neonatal harbor seal (phoca vitulina richardsi ) with evidence of recent exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.a male neonatal pacific harbor seal (phoca vitulina richardsi) stranded off the coast of california, usa, was presented for rehabilitation with numerous partially haired, soft tissue masses around the mouth and in the oropharynx. because of the extent of the lesions, the seal was humanely euthanized. histologically, the masses consisted of subepithelial connective tissue and subcutis expanded by a proliferation of streams and bundles of spindle to stellate cells. morphology of these cells sugges ...201121270017
absolute quantification of transferrin in blood samples of harbour seals using hplc-icp-ms.harbour seals (phoca vitulina) are bio-indicators for the assessment of their habitat and environmental changes. besides population parameters and trends (survival, age structure, sex ratio), the individual health status represents a further important parameter for this assessment. the health status of seals is a complex and vague term, determined by a wide range of diagnostic parameters. quantities of important blood proteins such as transferrin (tf), as well as altered distribution patterns of ...201121270996
near-threshold equal-loudness contours for harbor seals (phoca vitulina) derived from reaction times during underwater audiometry: a preliminary study.equal-loudness functions describe relationships between the frequencies of sounds and their perceived loudness. this pilot study investigated the possibility of deriving equal-loudness contours based on the assumption that sounds of equal perceived loudness elicit equal reaction times (rts). during a psychoacoustic underwater hearing study, the responses of two young female harbor seals to tonal signals between 0.125 and 100 khz were filmed. frame-by-frame analysis was used to quantify rt (the t ...201121303029
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in north-eastern atlantic harbor seal (phoca vitulina vitulina) and grey seal (halichoerus grypus).antibodies to toxoplasma gondii were determined in serum samples from 47 grey seals (halichoerus grypus) and 56 harbor seals (phoca vitulina vitulina) from the atlantic coasts of united kingdom and france. antibodies to t. gondii assayed by the modified agglutination test (mat) were found in 14 (13.6%; ic(95%): 7.0-20.2) of 103 seals tested, with titres of 1:25 in 13 seals and 1:50 in 1 seal. seroprevalence against t. gondii (mat 1:25 or higher) was significantly higher in grey seals (23.4%) com ...201121330059
metagenomic identification of a novel anellovirus in pacific harbor seal (phoca vitulina richardsii) lung samples and its detection in samples from multiple years.to investigate viral pathogens potentially involved in a mortality event of 21 pacific harbor seals (phoca vitulina richardsii) in california in 2000, viral metagenomics was performed directly on lung samples from five individuals. metagenomics revealed a novel seal anellovirus (sealav), which clusters phylogenetically with anelloviruses from california sea lions and domestic cats. using specific pcr, sealav was identified in lung tissue from two of five animals involved in the 2000 mortality ev ...201121402596
accumulation features of trace elements in mass-stranded harbor seals (phoca vitulina) in the north sea coast in 2002: the body distribution and association with growth and nutrition status.body distribution and growth- and nutritional status-dependent accumulation of 21 trace elements were investigated in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) stranded in the north sea coast in 2002. higher concentrations and burdens of mn, se, mo, ag, sn, hg, and bi in the liver, cd in the kidney, as in the blubber, and co, sr, and ba in the bone were observed. significant positive correlations of hepatic se, mo, ag, cd, sn, hg, tl, and bi with standard body length were found, while significant negative r ...201121429529
the occurrence of mycoplasma phocicerebrale, mycoplasma phocidae, and mycoplasma phocirhinis in grey and common seals (halichoerus grypus and phoca vitulina) in the united kingdom.following the isolation of mycoplasma phocicerebrale from the flipper wound of a grey seal (halichoerus grypus) in cornwall, uk, surveillance for mycoplasma species was extended to include other seals rescued or found dead around the uk. mycoplasma phocicerebrale was frequently detected from the teeth of seals and from infected wounds and respiratory tracts. mycoplasma phocirhinis, mycoplasma phocidae, and some unidentified mycoplasma species were also detected. mycoplasma phocicerebrale and m. ...201121441202
discovery of three novel coccidian parasites infecting california sea lions (zalophus californianus) with evidence of sexual replication and interspecies pathogenicity.abstract enteric protozoal infection was identified in 5 stranded california sea lions (zalophus californianus). microscopically, the apical cytoplasm of distal jejunal enterocytes contained multiple stages of coccidian parasites, including schizonts with merozoites and spherical gametocytes, morphologically similar to coccidian parasites. by histopathology, organisms appeared to be confined to the intestine and accompanied by only mild enteritis. using electron microscopy, both sexual (microgam ...201121495828
re: toxic effects of various pollutants in 11b7501 lymphoma b cell line from harbour seal (phoca vitulina). 201121497639
manatee vibrissae: evidence for a "lateral line" function.aquatic mammals use vibrissae to detect hydrodynamic stimuli over a range from 5 to 150 hz, similar to the range detected by lateral line systems in fishes and amphibians. manatees possess ∼5,300 vibrissae distributed over the body, innervated by ∼209,000 axons. this extensive innervation devoted to vibrissae follicles is reflected in enlarged, elaborate somatosensory regions of the gracile, cuneate, and bischoff's brain-stem nuclei, ventrobasal thalamus, and presumptive somatosensory cortex. ou ...201121534997
hydrodynamic discrimination of wakes caused by objects of different size or shape in a harbour seal (phoca vitulina).harbour seals can use their mystacial vibrissae to detect and track hydrodynamic wakes. we investigated the ability of a harbour seal to discriminate objects of different size or shape by their hydrodynamic signature and used particle image velocimetry to identify the hydrodynamic parameters that a seal may be using to do so. hydrodynamic trails were generated by different sized or shaped paddles that were moved in the calm water of an experimental box to produce a characteristic signal. in a tw ...201121562180
molecular methods for differentiating grey seal (halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (phoca vitulina) scat.pinniped dietary information is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems; however, in the north atlantic, grey and harbour seals haulout concomitantly and their faeces are visually indistinguishable. therefore, we developed molecular methods to differentiate the species' scat. pcr primers were created that amplify a portion of mitochondrial 16s ribosomal dna in grey and harbour seals. the samples were amplified and the resulting products were digested using the restriction enzyme tsp509i, pro ...201021565013
geography and stage of development affect persistent organic pollutants in stranded and wild-caught harbor seal pups from central california.persistent organic pollutants have been associated with disease susceptibility and decreased immunity in marine mammals. concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (ddts), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes), chlordanes (chlds), and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (hchs) were evaluated in terms of stage of development and likely exposure routes (in utero, suckling, fasting) in the blubber of 202 stranded and wild-caught, primarily you ...201121684582
variation in european harbour seal immune response genes and susceptibility to phocine distemper virus (pdv).phocine distemper virus (pdv) has caused two mass mortalities of european harbour seals (phoca vitulina) in recent decades. levels of mortality varied considerably among european populations in both the 1988 and 2002 epidemics, with higher mortality in continental european populations in comparison to uk populations. high levels of genetic differentiation at neutral makers among seal populations allow for the possibility that there could be potential genetic differences at functional loci that m ...201121712101
are metal-induced hypersensitivities in harbor seals associated with liver function?environmental exposure to metals is believed to affect marine mammal health adversely including immunosuppression or acute as well as chronic inflammatory processes leading to hypersensitivities or autoimmune diseases. metal-specific hypersensitivities were found in several pinnipeds of the north sea. however, hypersensitivity is a complex phenomenon whose characteristics are still not completely understood; in particular, effects on health are not well established. in the present study, we comp ...201121723569
meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in a harbour seal (phoca vitulina). 201121742682
quantification of total mercury in liver and heart tissue of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from alaska usa.this study quantified the hg levels in the liver (n=98) and heart (n=43) tissues of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) (n=102) harvested from prince william sound and kodiak island alaska. mercury tissue dry weight (dw) concentrations in the liver ranged from 1.7 to 393 ppm dw, and in the heart from 0.19 to 4.99 ppm dw. results of this study indicate liver and heart tissues' hg ppm dw concentrations significantly increase with age. male harbor seals bioaccumulated hg in both their liver and heart tis ...201121867998
the effect of diet and feeding level on survival and weight gain of hand-raised harbor seal pups (phoca vitulina).hundreds of stranded harbor seals pups (phoca vitulina) are brought to wildlife rescue centers every year. typical hand-rearing diets include artificial milk-replacers and diets based on macerated fish fed via gavage, but weight gains are often low and mortality rates can be high. this study compared survival and weight gain of orphaned seal pups fed either artificial milk-replacer or fish-formula. pups admitted to the facility in summer 2007 (n=145) and 2008 (n=98) were randomly assigned to one ...201121971911
DETECTION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SP. SEAL IN TWO NEW SEAL SPECIES, PHOCA VITULINA AND CYSTOPHORA CRISTATA AND A NOVEL CRYPTOSPORIDIUM GENOTYPE IN A THIRD SEAL SPECIES, PAGOPHILUS GROENLANDICUS FROM THE GULF OF MAINE.Abstract Data on the geographic distribution and host-specificity of Cryptosporidium spp. are critical for developing an understanding of likely transmission patterns in nature. During a molecular based survey of fecal samples from 293 terrestrial and aquatic animals in Maine, we detected Cryptosporidium sp. in 11 harbor seals, 1 hooded seal, and 1 harp seal. None of the terrestrial or freshwater mammal fecal samples or bird samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium sp. However, the seque ...201122017467
static inflation and deflation pressure-volume curves from excised lungs of marine mammals.excised lungs from eight marine mammal species [harp seal (pagophilus groenlandicus), harbor seal (phoca vitulina), gray seal (halichoerus grypush), atlantic white-sided dolphin (lagenorhynchus acutus), common dolphin (delphinus delphis), risso's dolphin (grampus griseus), long-finned pilot whale (globicephala melas) and harbor porpoise (phocoena phocoena)] were used to determine the minimum air volume of the relaxed lung (mav, n=15), the elastic properties (pressure-volume curves, n=24) of the ...201122031747
spatial trends of perfluorochemicals in harbor seals (phoca vitulina) from danish waters.spatial trends of concentrations of perfluorinated chemicals (pfcs) were investigated in harbour seal liver tissue from seven locations in denmark, ranging from the wadden sea in the southern north sea to the western baltic. all samples were collected during the phocine distemper epizootic in 2002 which provided access to a large number of comparable samples over a short time period. pfos was dominating (mean: 92% of ∑pfc) among the pfcs in the samples, followed by considerably lower concentrati ...201222100255
Serologic surveillance of pathogens in a declining harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, USA and a reference site.The harbor seal population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, has declined by over 70% since 1992. The reasons for this decline are not known. We examined serum antibodies and feces for evidence of exposure to multiple pathogens in this population. We also studied harbor seals from a reference site on Kodiak Island. In 2007, we found antibodies against Leptospira spp. in 31% of specimens from harbor seals in Glacier Bay, but no detectable serum antibodies in samples from Kodiak. In 2008, no s ...201122102671
discretized and aggregated: modeling dive depth of harbor seals from ordered categorical data with temporal autocorrelation.ordered categorical data are pervasive in environmental and ecological data, and often arise from constraints that require discretizing a continuous variable into ordered categories. a great deal of data have been collected toward the study of marine mammal dive behavior using satellite depth recorders (sdrs), which often discretize a continuous variable such as depth. additionally, data storage or transmission constraints may also necessitate the aggregation of data over time intervals of a spe ...201222118495
perfluoroalkyl compounds (pfcs) in wildlife from an urban estuary.previous research has documented the bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl compounds (pfcs) in apex predators in remote locations but few studies have evaluated urban estuaries. to assess the importance of pfcs in san francisco bay, two apex predators in the san francisco bay, double-crested cormorants (phalacrocorax auritus) and pacific harbor seals (phoca vitulina richardii), were sampled. prey fish (atherinops affinis and menidia audens) were also evaluated to better understand potential sources ...201222134832
coxiella burnetii infection of marine mammals in the pacific northwest, 1997-2010.q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium coxiella burnetii. humans are commonly exposed via inhalation of aerosolized bacteria derived from the waste products of domesticated sheep and goats, and particularly from products generated during parturition. however, many other species can be infected with c. burnetii, and the host range and full zoonotic potential of c. burnetii is unknown. two cases of c. burnetii infection in marine mammal placenta have been reported, but it is not kno ...201222247392
tissue-specific accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) including deca-bde and hexabromocyclododecanes (hbcds) in harbor seals from the northwest atlantic.polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) and hexabromocyclododecanes (hbcds) are widely used flame retardants that enter coastal waters from multiple sources and biomagnify in marine food webs. pbdes have been detected at relatively high concentrations in harbor seals, apex predators in the northwest atlantic. whereas tri- to hexa-bdes readily biomagnified from prey fishes to seal blubber, deca-bde (bde-209) did not biomagnify in blubber. to explore tissue-specific differences in the accumulation/ ...201222321537
likely effects of construction of scroby sands offshore wind farm on a mixed population of harbour phoca vitulina and grey halichoerus grypus seals.scroby sands offshore wind farm was built close to a haul-out and breeding site for harbour seal, a species of conservation concern. an aerial survey programme conducted during a five-year period spanning wind farm construction, revealed a significant post-construction decline in haul-out counts. multivariate model selection suggested that the decline was not related to the environmental factors considered, nor did it mirror wider population trends. although cause and effect could not be unequiv ...201222333892
influenza a and b virus attachment to respiratory tract in marine mammals.patterns of virus attachment to the respiratory tract of 4 marine mammal species were determined for avian and human influenza viruses. attachment of avian influenza a viruses (h4n5) and (h7n7) and human influenza b viruses to trachea and bronchi of harbor seals is consistent with reported influenza outbreaks in this species.201222516350
organic halogenated contaminants in mother-fetus pairs of harbor seals (phoca vitulina richardii) from alaska, 2000-2002.this study measured organochlorine pesticides (ocps) including hexachlorocyclohexanes (hchs), hexachlorobenzene (hcb), heptachlor and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (ddts), polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (pcns) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) in tissues of six mother-fetus pairs of harbor seals that were hunted for subsistence in alaska waters of the northern pacific ocean. these data suggest that significant amounts of these contaminants were transfe ...201222579763
acanthocephalans in northern fur seals (callorhinus ursinus) and a harbor seal (phoca vitulina) on st. paul island, alaska: species, prevalence, and biodiversity in four fur seal subpopulations.monitoring studies of acanthocephalans in northern fur seals (callorhinus ursinus linnaeus, 1758) (nfss) and a harbor seal (phoca vitulina linnaeus, 1758) were performed on st. paul island, alaska, in july-august 2011. gastrointestinal tracts of 105 humanely harvested nfs subadult males (sams) (3-4 years old) were collected during the annual aleut subsistence harvest at four haul-out areas (hoas): lukanin (n = 26 nfss), polovina (n = 28), gorbatch (n = 30), and morzhovyi (n = 21). one gastrointe ...201222584377
spatial variation in foraging behaviour of a marine top predator (phoca vitulina) determined by a large-scale satellite tagging program.the harbour seal (phoca vitulina) is a widespread marine predator in northern hemisphere waters. british populations have been subject to rapid declines in recent years. food supply or inter-specific competition may be implicated but basic ecological data are lacking and there are few studies of harbour seal foraging distribution and habits. in this study, satellite tagging conducted at the major seal haul outs around the british isles showed both that seal movements were highly variable among i ...201222629370
patterns of stranding and mortality in common seals (phoca vitulina) and grey seals (halichoerus grypus) in the netherlands between 1979 and 2008.pathological examination of stranded marine mammals provides information on the causes of mortality in their populations. patterns of stranding and causes of death of dead-stranded seals on the dutch coast were analyzed over a 30-year period (1979-2008). stranding data (n=1,286) and post-mortem data (n=379) from common seals (phoca vitulina) and grey seals (halichoerus grypus) found dead, or that died before admission to rehabilitation, were obtained from the seal rehabilitation and research cen ...201222632685
haul-out behavior of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) in hood canal, washington.the goal of this study was to model haul-out behavior of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) in the hood canal region of washington state with respect to changes in physiological, environmental, and temporal covariates. previous research has provided a solid understanding of seal haul-out behavior. here, we expand on that work using a generalized linear mixed model (glmm) with temporal autocorrelation and a large dataset. our dataset included behavioral haul-out records from archival and vhf radio tag ...201222723851
long distance movements and disjunct spatial use of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) in the inland waters of the pacific northwest.worldwide, adult harbor seals (phoca vitulina) typically limit their movements and activity to <50 km from their primary haul-out site. as a result, the ecological impact of harbor seals is viewed as limited to relatively small spatial scales. harbor seals in the pacific northwest are believed to remain <30 km from their primary haul-out site, one of several contributing factors to the current stock designation. however, movement patterns within the region are not well understood because previou ...201222723925
brominated and chlorinated flame retardants in san francisco bay sediments and wildlife.restrictions on the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) have resulted in the use of alternative flame retardants in consumer products to comply with flammability standards. in contrast to pbdes, information on the occurrence and fate of these alternative compounds in the environment is limited, particularly in the united states. in this study, a survey of flame retardants in san francisco bay was conducted to evaluate whether pbde replacement chemicals and other current use flame retar ...201222766500
hiatal hernia in a harbor seal (phoca vitulina) pup.a 2-wk-old stranded harbor seal (phoca vitulina) rescued by mystic aquarium showed signs of the presence of a hiatal hernia during rehabilitation. contrast radiographs of esophagus and stomach revealed an intrathoracic radiodensity that contains filling defects typical of stomach, consistent with gastric rugal folds. mural thickening was observed at the level of the cardia consistent with a diagnosis of a hiatal hernia. although clinical improvement was noted with medical therapy and tube feedin ...201222779241
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