Contaminants in endangered manatees (Trichechus manatus) in Mesoamerica : Risk assessment using a sentinel species.

Abstract

This report describes a proposal with objectives to assess levels and effects of a wide range of organic contaminants in Mesoamerican manatees: use sophisticated biomarkers of exposure to assess cellular and subcellular effects of contaminant exposure associated with particular levels of contaminants found in the manatees; assess contaminant levels in sediments in areas where it appears that manatees may be exposed to very high environmental contaminant concentrations; conduct formal health risk assessments for manatees based on results of the analyses; provide training in contaminant monitoring to Mesoamerican scientists; and develop a public awareness and education program for regional residents based on the findings. This report is bound with MTR 1263a in the print copy.