Abstract:
The primary objective is to test the use of fatty acid profiles in the livers of bottlenose dolphins as a biomarker (i.e., clinical diagnostic marker) of exposure to harmful algal bloom toxins. This technique has been proven successful in manatees exposed to brevetoxins and will investigate the application to bottlenose dolphins exposed to both brevetoxins and saxitoxins. Evaluation of the technique will clarify the extent to which exposure to HABs could kill or debilitate marine mammals. If successful, these results will provide a heretofore unavailable technique by which HAB-related mortality and morbidity in this species can be assessed easily. This information will be provided to resource managers for diagnostic monitoring of bottlenose dolphin exposure and effects, to aid in developing strategies for assessing threats and developing possible mitigation actions.
