Palm Beach Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Interested in Marine Mammals?

Attend the first meeting of the Palm Beach Marine Mammal Stranding Network
(Level A data collection certification)

When: Wednesday, January 29nd, 2014
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Jupiter FAU library








• Gain hands on field experience with marine mammals
(Whales & Dolphins)
• Learn how to respond and assist the stranding team in the
event of a marine mammal stranding on our local beaches
• Sessions run by Stranding Director Dr. Barbara Brunnick,
Ph.D., Cetacean Biologist with the Palm Beach Wild Dolphin
Project and Taras Oceanographic Foundation.
• Attend informational meetings and get to know other
volunteers
• Become a valuable member of our volunteer team

For more information stop by the library or email
darrieta@fau.edu
5353 Parkside Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
561.799.8530

Cetacean Strandings in Florida

An overview of the 15 most common cetaceans to strand in Florida

In light of the recent whale stranding events so far this year in Florida, here is a brief summary of the most common whales and dolphins that strand along our Florida beaches [taken from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2011 Florida Cetacean Data Collection and Sampling Guide]

Baleen whales:

1.      North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

2.      Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Toothed whales:

3.      Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

4.      Pygmy (Kogia breviceps)

5.      Dwarf Sperm whale (Kogia sima)

Beaked whales:         

6.      Gervais’ beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)

Dolphins:

7.      Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra)

8.      Pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhnchus)

9.      Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

10.  Fraser’s dolphin (lagenodelphis hosei)

11.  Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus)

12.  Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)

13.  Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata)

14.  Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)

15.  Spinner dolphin (Stennella longirostris)

Additionally, there are a few species that have occasionally stranded in Florida (fewer than 5 between 2000-2010.

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Brydes whale (Balaenoptera edeni)

True’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon mirus)

Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris)

Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

Pygmy Killer whale (Feresa attenuate)

False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene)

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mother_and_baby_sperm_whale.jpg

Ocean Plastic

Hawaiian Monk Seals

An analysis of body size

The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is one of the most endangered marine mammal species. It is also highly studied. There are approximately only 1200 remaining. Although this species is well studied; basic growth patterns of the Hawaiian Monk Seals have not been well documented.

 Earlier research has focused on pup growth through weening. New research conducted by Baker and Johanos (2014) look for evidence of sexual dimorphism (the difference between make and females) in the species and variable growth rates through species range. According to the researchers, they took seal measurements from 1984 – 2011 of seven subpopulations. They excluded any compromised animals (emaciated or wounded) as well as pregnant females. To avoid additional stress, measurements were not taken close to molting season.

You can read the very specifics of methods and results by referring to the full article reference below; “however researchers did not find evidence that length growth patterns differed among male and female monk seals. There were striking differences in growth curves among the various monk seal subpopulations” (Baker & Johanos, 2014, p.264). This is most likely due to variance in environmental conditions determining growth.

Reference:

Baker, J. & Johanos, T., 2014. Body Growth in Hawaiian Monk Seals. Marine Mammal Science. 30(1). 259-271. Online. Available here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12035/pdf

 

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Monachus_schauinslandi.jpg

Burn, baby burn

Heartburn medication linked to B12 deficiency

Nature World news reported that researchers have found a possible link to long term use of common anti-acid medication and greater risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is required by the body for red blood cell formation; neurological function and DNA synthesis.

The article continues by stating that stomach acids help absorb B12 in the human body, so suppressing the acids leads to lower levels of B12 in the body. Researchers estimate that 15 million people are using these anti-acid medications in 2012 alone.

The two most common types of anti-acids [include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptors] both led to B12 deficiencies. “The latest study was conducted by Jameson R. Lam from Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, Calif., and colleagues” (NWN, 2013).

Taking these PPI medications for more than 2 years show an increased risk  for B12 deficiency by 65%. Higher doses increased that risk further. “Researchers also found women and youngsters using more potent antacids were more likely to be suffering from some level of vitamin deficiency” NWN, 2013).

To read the referenced article go to link below. The full study can be found in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Reference: 

Natural World News (NWN), 2013. http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/5268/20131211/heartburn-medication-tied-vitamin-b12-deficiency.htm

 

image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Antacid-L478.jpg

For the birds

Thanksgiving dinner food for thought

Did you know there are several different types of turkey you can choose from? There is more to worry about now than just the size of the bird. Is it organic, is it fed GMO feed, is it raised on antibiotics and linked to the spread of microbial resistant superbugs? Are they free range, caged or have outdoor time?

Another thing to be aware of is that 99% of all turkeys raised in the United States are white meat heavy bred, which makes the turkeys top heavy. This hinders their natural ability to reproduce; so all of them are artificially inseminated. Not to mention they possibility of developing severe joint pain and swollen legs or feet because the birds are unnaturally heavy for their bone structure.

46 million turkeys will be consumed for this upcoming holiday.

Here are some links to learn about green classifications of turkey and other animal products  that can be found in some stores: Certified Humane, Animal Welfare Approved, Food Alliance Certified, and American Grassfed (Shanker, 2013).

Grist has a full blog post here related to turkey farming in the United States.

Here is a link about GMOs to research exactly what is going into some food produced in the United States.

The Center for Disease Control has a good information page about Microbial resistant superbugs here.

Don’t forget, there is always tofurky! 

[Please note that we are not endorsing any particular brand or saying not to consume turkey; we are sharing some science behind the food for learning purposes only].

Reference:

Shanker, 2013. http://grist.org/living/so-many-turkeys-so-little-time/

 

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Male_north_american_turkey_supersaturated.jpg

Can you hear me now?

Construction noise and marine mammals.

With new carbon reduction schemes being implemented, growth of offshore wind generation is expected to become a major component of these reduction strategies. With increased construction; the noise of pile driving into the ocean to install these turbines is increasing. Researchers are worried that this noise will have a negative impacts on marine mammal species.

Researchers from the United Kingdom and the United States have developed a noise assessment method for measuring the impact of wind farm construction. Previous attention mainly focused on the effects of the turbines on birds. The new focus in on the long term impact on marine mammals; especially endangered whale populations, dolphins and seals. The study is looking at “worst case assessment of the short term impacts of noise and how these may influence long term population change” (S.D., 2013). 

Loud construction can cause traumatic hearing injuries or close range deaths. This could move animals out of their normal ranges and impact food resources and survival rates. 

To read about the full study and methodologies, see the article reference below.

Reference:

 (S.D.) Science Daily, 2013. Assessing Noise Impact of Offshore Wind Farm Construction May Help Protect Marine Mammals. Online. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131104101242.htm

 

Paul M. Thompson, Gordon D. Hastie, Jeremy Nedwell, Richard Barham, Kate L. Brookes, Line S. Cordes, Helen Bailey, Nancy McLean. Framework for assessing impacts of pile-driving noise from offshore wind farm construction on a harbour seal population. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2013; 43: 73

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Windmills_D1-D4_%28Thornton_Bank%29.jpg