OPEN ACCESS at - https://www.int-res.com/articles/feature/d143p205.pdf
<https://www.int-res.com/articles/feature/d143p205.pdf>
Assessing North Atlantic right whale health: threats, and development of
tools critical for conservation of the species
Michael J. Moore, Teresa K. Rowles, Deborah A. Fauquier, Jason D. Baker,
Ingrid Biedron, John W. Durban, Philip K. Hamilton, Allison G. Henry,
Amy R. Knowlton, William A. McLellan, Carolyn A. Miller, Richard M. Pace
III, Heather M. Pettis, Stephen Raverty, Rosalind M. Rolland, Robert S.
Schick, Sarah M. Sharp, Cynthia R. Smith, Len Thomas, Julie M. van der
Hoop, Michael H. Ziccardi
ABSTRACT: Whaling has decimated North Atlantic right whales /Eubalaena
glacialis/ (NARW) since the 11th century and southern right whales /E.
australis/ (SRW) since the 19th century. Today, NARWs are Critically
Endangered and decreasing, whereas SRWs are recovering. We review NARW
health assessment literature, NARW Consortium databases, and efforts and
limitations to monitor individual and species health, survival, and
fecundity. Photographs are used to track individual movement and
external signs of health such as evidence of vessel and entanglement
trauma. Post-mortem examinations establish cause of death and determine
organ pathology. Photogrammetry is used to assess growth rates and body
condition. Samples of blow, skin, blubber, baleen and feces quantify
hormones that provide information on stress, reproduction, and
nutrition, identify micro - biome changes, and assess evidence of infection.
We also discuss models of the population consequences of multiple
stressors, including the connection be tween human activities (e.g.
entanglement) and health. Lethal and sublethal vessel and entanglement
trauma have been identified as major threats to the species. There is a
clear and immediate need for expanding trauma reduction measures. Beyond
these major concerns, further study is needed to evaluate the impact of
other stressors, such as pathogens, microbiome changes, and algal and
industrial toxins, on NARW reproductive success and health.
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