We are pleased to announce our new publication: Danil, K., Berman, M., Frame, E., Preti, A., Fire, S.E., Leighfield, T., Carretta, J., Carter, M.L., Lefebvre, K., 2021. Marine algal toxins and their vectors in southern California cetaceans. Harmful Algae 103, 102000.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988321000275?dgcid=author# ! Abstract: Published baseline data on biotoxin exposure in cetaceans is sparse but critical for interpreting mortality events as harmful algal blooms increase in frequency and duration. We present the first synthesis of domoic acid (DA), saxitoxin (STX), okadaic acid (OA), and microcystin detections in the feces and urine of stranded and bycaught southern California cetaceans, over an 18 year period (2001–2018), along with corresponding stomach content data. DA was detected in 13 out of 19 cetacean species, most often in harbor porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) (81.8%, *n* = 22) and long-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis bairdii*) (74%, *n* = 231). Maximum DA concentrations of 324,000 ng/g in feces and 271, 967 ng/ml in urine were observed in *D. d. bairdii*. DA was detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in male vs. female *D. d. bairdii*. Higher fecal DA concentrations in *D. d. bairdii* were associated with a greater proportion of northern anchovy (*Engraulis mordax*) in the diet, indicating it may be a primary vector of DA. Fecal DA concentrations for *D. d. bairdii* off Point Conception were greater than those from animals sampled off Los Angeles and San Diego counties, reflecting greater primary productivity and higher *Pseudo-nitzschia* spp. abundance in that region and a greater abundance of *E. mordax* in the diet. STX was detected at low levels (fecal max = 7.5 ng/g, urine max = 17 ng/ml) in 3.6% (*n* = 165) of individuals from 3 out of 11 species. The occurrence of *E. mordax* in 100% of the 3 examined stomachs suggests this species could be a primary vector of the detected STX. OA was detected in 2.4% of tested individuals (*n* = 85) at a maximum fecal concentration of 422.8 ng/g. Microcystin was detected in 14.3% (*n* = 7) of tested individuals with a maximum liver concentration of 96.8 ppb. -- Kerri Danil (she/her) Research Biologist, Southwest Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (858) 546-7001 Stranding hotline: (858) 546-7162 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/cetacean-health-life-history-program https://swfsc-publications.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/?search=danil
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