Dear MARMAM community,
On behalf of all coauthors and myself, I am very pleased to share our recently published literature review: *“Transferable Stressors in Small Cetaceans: Historical Status, Current Trends and Future Directions”.* *Abstract* Cetaceans face a wide range of natural and anthropogenic pressures that can impact population viability. Assessments of cetacean populations often consider single non-transferable stressors with direct effects on survival, such as fisheries bycatch, but more rarely account for stressors transmitted between animals via the food web, through close physical contact, or from mother to calf. Transferable stressors can affect population dynamics through sub-lethal or lethal effects on individuals. This literature review addresses transferable stressors in small cetaceans, including their transfer routes, prevalence and effects on individuals and populations, as well as the cumulative effects of multiple stressors. We focus particularly on common small cetaceans (harbour porpoises and common, bottlenose, and striped dolphins) in European waters. These stressors include harmful algal blooms, viruses (e.g. Morbillivirus), bacteria (e.g. *Brucella*), parasites (e.g. *Anisakis* and lungworms), organic and inorganic contaminants, and microplastics. Patterns and trends in prevalence are compared across species, areas and stressors, with implications for conservation and identified knowledge gaps. Further research is needed on dose–response relationships and mechanisms of stressor interactions. While recent methods have improved our understanding of the impacts of transferable stressors, integration into population assessments and management plans remains a challenge. *Citation (Open Access)* Fariñas-Bermejo, A., Gutiérrez-Muñoz, P., López Aguilar, M., Hernandez-Gonzalez, A., Ivaylova, S., Petitguyot, M.A., Puig-Lozano, R., Fernández Fernández, D., Saavedra, C., López Fernández, A. and Pierce, G.J. (2025). Transferable Stressors in Small Cetaceans: Historical Status, Current Trends and Future Directions. *Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review*, 63, 229–342. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003589600-7 We hope this review will be of interest, and you enjoy reading. We warmly welcome any questions or comments. Best wishes, Andrea Fariñas-Bermejo Contact email: [email protected] PhD student Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Vigo, Spain https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Farinas-Bermejo?ev=hdr_xprf
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