1
|
Champoux L, Rail JF, Houde M, Giraudo M, Lacaze É, Franci CD, Fairhurst GD, Hobson KA, Brousseau P, Guillemette M, Pelletier D, Montevecchi WA, Lair S, Verreault J, Soos C. An investigation of physiological effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on a long-distance migratory seabird, the northern gannet. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110953. [PMID: 32275518 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to oil can have long-term impacts on migratory birds. Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), we investigated potential impacts of oil exposure on a population of northern gannets (Morus bassanus) that breed on Bonaventure Island (Québec, Canada) and winter in GOM and along the U.S. Atlantic coast (AC). Blood and feather samples were collected from adults previously equipped with geolocators to determine wintering locations. Parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); trace metals; stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen; and immune, thyroid, steroid, retinoid, and genetic endpoints were measured. PAH and trace metal concentrations did not differ between gannets using different wintering sites. Feather stable isotope values varied significantly between birds from different wintering locations. Gannets wintering in GOM showed higher feather corticosterone and plasma thyroid hormone levels, which may indicate increased energetic demands and/or greater exposure to environmental stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Rail
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maeva Giraudo
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Émilie Lacaze
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Graham D Fairhurst
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Keith A Hobson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Pauline Brousseau
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Bruijn R, Romero LM. The role of glucocorticoids in the vertebrate response to weather. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 269:11-32. [PMID: 30012539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the environment related to inclement weather can threaten survival and reproductive success both through direct adverse exposure and indirectly by decreasing food availability. Glucocorticoids, released during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as part of the stress response, are an important candidate for linking vertebrate coping mechanisms to weather. This review attempts to determine if there is a consensus response of glucocorticoids to exposure to weather-related stimuli, including food availability, precipitation, temperature and barometric pressure. The included studies cover field and laboratory studies for all vertebrate taxa, and are separated into four exposure periods, e.g., hours, days, weeks and months. Each reported result was assigned a score based on the glucocorticoid response, e.g., increased, no change, or decreased. Short-term exposure to weather-related stimuli, of up to 24 h, is generally associated with increased glucocorticoids (79% of studies), suggesting that these stimuli are perceived as stressors by most animals. In contrast, the pattern for exposures longer than 24 h shows more variation, even though a majority of studies still report an increase (64%). Lack of glucocorticoid increases appeared to result from instances where: (1) prolonged exposure was a predictable part of the life history of an animal; (2) environmental context was important for the ultimate effect of a stimulus (e.g., precipitation limited food availability in one environment, but increased food in another); (3) prolonged exposure induced chronic stress; and (4) long-term responses appeared to reflect adaptations to seasonal shifts, instead of to short-term weather. However, there is a strong bias towards studies in domesticated laboratory species and wild animals held in captivity, indicating a need for field studies, especially in reptiles and amphibians. In conclusion, the accumulated literature supports the hypothesis that glucocorticoids can serve as the physiological mechanism promoting fitness during inclement weather.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert de Bruijn
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Champoux L, Boily M. Temporal trends of mercury and organohalogen contaminants in great blue heron eggs from the St. Lawrence River, Québec, Canada, 1991-2011, and relationships with tracers of feeding ecology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:1270-1285. [PMID: 28797142 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since 1991, great blue heron (Ardea herodias) eggs have been collected and analyzed for mercury (Hg), persistent organic contaminants (OCs), brominated and non-brominated flame retardants (FRs) as well as stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N. In the present study, temporal trends of contaminants were analyzed in eggs sampled in four regions along the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada) and inland sites using new and previously published data. Most contaminants declined significantly over time in most regions. Globally, the highest annual change, -17.5%, was found for pp'-DDD, while the smallest annual decline, -0.54%, was observed for Hg. Concentrations of ΣDDT and ΣFR8 (sum of 8 congeners) decreased by -11.6% and -7.3%, respectively. Declines in ΣPCBs differed among regions, from -5.6% in the fluvial section to -14.7% in the inland region. The highest concentration of ΣFR8 was measured in eggs from Grande Ile in the fluvial section of the river in 1996 (2.39μg/g). Stable isotope ratios also showed temporal trends in some regions: δ13C decreased in the fluvial section and increased in Gulf region, while δ15N decreased in the fluvial section and increased in the upper estuary. Significant positive relationships were found between ΣDDT, ΣPCBs and ΣFRs and δ15N and δ13C in freshwater colonies, but not in estuarine or marine colonies. These results suggest that changes in trophic level and foraging areas over time were influential factors with respect to contaminant burden in great blue heron eggs in the fluvial section, but not in the other regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, 801-1550 av d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Monique Boily
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Storey AE, Ryan MG, Fitzsimmons MG, Kouwenberg AL, Takahashi LS, Robertson GJ, Wilhelm SI, McKay DW, Herzberg GR, Mowbray FK, MacMillan L, Walsh CJ. Balancing personal maintenance with parental investment in a chick-rearing seabird: physiological indicators change with foraging conditions. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox055. [PMID: 28979786 PMCID: PMC5622326 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seabird parents use a conservative breeding strategy that favours long-term survival over intensive parental investment, particularly under harsh conditions. Here, we examine whether variation in several physiological indicators reflects the balance between parental investment and survival in common murres (Uria aalge) under a wide range of foraging conditions. Blood samples were taken from adults during mid-chick rearing from 2007 to 2014 and analysed for corticosterone (CORT, stress hormone), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BUTY, lipid metabolism reflecting ongoing mass loss), and haematocrit (reflecting blood oxygen capacity). These measures, plus body mass, were related to three levels of food availability (good, intermediate, and poor years) for capelin, the main forage fish for murres in this colony. Adult body mass and chick-feeding rates were higher in good years than in poor years and heavier murres were more likely to fledge a chick than lighter birds. Contrary to prediction, BUTY levels were higher in good years than in intermediate and poor years. Murres lose body mass just after their chicks hatch and these results for BUTY suggest that mass loss may be delayed in good years. CORT levels were higher in intermediate years than in good or poor years. Higher CORT levels in intermediate years may reflect the necessity of increasing foraging effort, whereas extra effort is not needed in good years and it is unlikely to increase foraging success in poor years. Haematocrit levels were higher in poor years than in good years, a difference that may reflect either their poorer condition or increased diving requirements when food is less available. Our long-term data set provided insight into how decisions about resource allocation under different foraging conditions are relating to physiological indicators, a relationship that is relevant to understanding how seabirds may respond to changes in marine ecosystems as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Storey
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Morag G Ryan
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Michelle G Fitzsimmons
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Amy-Lee Kouwenberg
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Linda S Takahashi
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Sabina I Wilhelm
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Donald W McKay
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3V6
| | - Gene R Herzberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Frances K Mowbray
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 5667, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1C 5×1
| | - Luke MacMillan
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Carolyn J Walsh
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feather corticosterone during non-breeding correlates with multiple measures of physiology during subsequent breeding in a migratory seabird. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 208:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
6
|
Champoux L, Rail JF, Lavoie RA. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and flame retardants in northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1994-2014. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 222:600-608. [PMID: 28069368 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Québec, Canada, were collected to monitor concentrations of contaminants. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) and non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in eggs from 2004 and 2009, and several brominated and nonbrominated flame retardants (FRs) were measured every 2-5 years in eggs from 1994 to 2014. The sum (Σ) concentrations of PCDDs/Fs were significantly lower in 2009 relative to 2004, but the total toxic equivalent concentrations for PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs showed no significant differences (196 ng/kg wet weight (ww) in 2004 and 220 ng/kg ww in 2009). The mean ΣFR concentrations decreased significantly between 1994 and 2014, from 58 ng/g ww to 19 ng/g ww. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) was the principal nonbrominated FR detected in gannet eggs and ranged from <1.0 ng/g ww to 6.9 ng/g ww. The PCDD/F and nonortho PCB profiles were dominated by 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF; from 26.2 ng/g ww to 34.8 ng/kg ww) and PCB-77 (from 1580 ng/g ww to 2650 ng/kg ww), respectively. Although the values of both ecological tracer stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) showed differences among the years, no temporal trends were observed, which indicates relatively stable adults' diet and foraging area over this time period. The trends over time in concentrations of the studied contaminants likely reflect a decrease in environmental contamination. The mean 2012 eggshell thickness was 10% lower than the pre-DDT value and corresponded to a year of poor reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Quebec, G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Jean-François Rail
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Quebec, G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Raphael A Lavoie
- Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The canalized parental roles of a Eudyptes penguin constrain provisioning and growth of chicks during nutritional stress. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|