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Kucinick M, Charles KE, Carter K, Edwards J, Costlow C, Wilkerson M, Seddon D, Marancik D. Comparative plasma biochemistry analyte data in nesting leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea), foraging green ( Chelonia mydas) and foraging and nesting hawksbill ( Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in Grenada, West Indies. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae028. [PMID: 38765884 PMCID: PMC11099945 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Blood biochemistry represents a minimally invasive tool for monitoring sea turtle health, assessing injured sea turtles and supporting conservation strategies. In Grenada, West Indies, plasma biochemical variables were examined in 33 nesting leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), 49 foraging green (Chelonia mydas), 49 foraging hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and 12 nesting hawksbill sea turtles sampled between 2017 and 2022. Plasma biochemistry reference intervals are described herein except for nesting hawksbills, which are represented by descriptive statistics due to the low sample size. Select analyte concentrations were positively correlated with curved carapace length in leatherbacks (chloride), green turtles (total protein, albumin and globulin) and foraging hawksbills (total protein, albumin and phosphorus). Cholesterol (7.8 mmol/l ± 1.6 SD) and triglyceride (6.9 mmol/l ± 1.9 SD) concentrations were significantly higher in leatherbacks compared to foraging green turtles, foraging hawksbills and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001 for all). Cholesterol was significantly higher in nesting hawksbills compared to foraging green turtles (P = 0.050) and foraging hawksbills (P = 0.050). Foraging hawksbills demonstrated significantly higher aspartate transaminase activities than leatherbacks (P = 0.002), green turtles (P = 0.009) and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001). Biochemical results provide baseline population health data and support guidance for treatments during clinical sea turtle rehabilitation efforts. They also provide insight into species-specific physiologic differences and preludes further studies to better characterize the impacts of life-stage class on biochemistry reference intervals to better support wild sea turtle populations in Grenada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Kucinick
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Kenrith Carter
- Ocean Spirits, Inc, Levera, Grenada, West Indies
- Dr Carter Veterinary Services, St. David's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Jonnel Edwards
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Catherine Costlow
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Melinda Wilkerson
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Dawn Seddon
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - David Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
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Kuschke SG, Wyneken J, Miller D. Baseline Skin Microbiota of the Leatherback Sea Turtle. Microorganisms 2024; 12:925. [PMID: 38792755 PMCID: PMC11124050 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The integumentary system of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the most visible and defining difference of the species, with its smooth and waxy carapace and finely scaled skin, distinguishing it from the other six sea turtle species. The skin is the body's largest organ and serves as a primary defense against the outside world and is thus essential to health. To date, we have begun to understand that the microorganisms located on the skin aid in these functions. However, many host-microbial interactions are not yet fully defined or understood. Prior to uncovering these crucial host-microbial interactions, we must first understand the communities of microorganisms present and how they differ through life-stage classes and across the body. Here, we present a comprehensive bacterial microbial profile on the skin of leatherbacks. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified the major groups of bacteria on the skin of neonates at emergence, neonates at 3-4 weeks of age (i.e., post-hatchlings), and nesting females. These data show that the predominant bacteria on the skin of the leatherback are different at each life-stage class sampled. This suggests that there is a shift in the microbial communities of the skin associated with life-stage class or even possibly age. We also found that different sample locations on the nesting female (i.e., carapace and front appendages = flipper) have significantly different communities of bacteria present. This is likely due to differences in the microhabitats of these anatomic locations and future studies should explore if this variation also holds true for neonates. These data define baseline skin microbiota on the leatherback and can serve as a foundation for additional work to broaden our understanding of the leatherbacks' host-microbial interactions, the impacts of environmental changes or stressors over time, and even the pathogenicity of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Kuschke
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA;
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- One Health Initiative, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Upwell, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
| | - Jeanette Wyneken
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA;
| | - Debra Miller
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- One Health Initiative, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Miguel C, Vianna MRM, de Deus Santos MR. Doce river mining tailings can be an influencing factor in loggerhead turtles reproductive success in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115601. [PMID: 37783165 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115601] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In November 2015, a tailings dam ruptured and affected the second largest nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success, and trace elements in female's plasma, freshly laid eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings of loggerhead turtles that nest in the coastal area exposed to the mining waste (Povoação, Espírito Santo state) and compare them with animals from an area that was not affected by the tailings (Praia do Forte, Bahia state). Plasma concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in samples from Povoação in comparison to turtles from Praia do Forte. In Povoação, unhatched eggs and dead hatchlings had higher As, Cu, Hg, Mn, and Zn concentrations than freshly laid eggs, and trace elements correlated with the hatching and emergence success. Our findings suggest that the higher concentrations of some metals may influence the incubation period and reproductive success of loggerheads in the affected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miguel
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil; Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil.
| | - Monica Ryff Moreira Vianna
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Renan de Deus Santos
- Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil
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Çelik S, Beton D, Çiçek BA, Snape RTE, Başkale E. Metal accumulation in juvenile and sub-adult loggerhead and green turtles in northern Cyprus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120482. [PMID: 36279995 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120482] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are considered pollution bioindicators due to their tendency to accumulate high metal levels in their tissues during their long lifespans. In this context, we aimed to analyse the concentrations of 12 elements in liver, kidney, heart and muscle samples from green turtles (Chelonia mydas; n = 41) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta; n = 14) found stranded in Northern Cyprus. The samples were collected between 2019 and 2021, stored in sterile Eppendorf tubes at -20 °C until metal analysis, and analysed with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. With this study, we contribute to the limited number of studies on metal accumulation in heart tissue and present the first data for Mg accumulation in the heart, liver, muscle and kidney tissues of both species. We found that metal accumulation levels differed among the two study species' tissues, with some elements in the same tissue (AlKidney, AsHeart, AsLiver, FeMuscle, FeKidney, FeHeart, MnHeart, PbHeart, ZnMuscle and ZnKidney) significantly differing between species. The observed variation likely resulted from their different feeding habits, which cause them to be exposed to different levels of metals. We also found significant associations among elements within tissues, as well as between the same element across different tissues in both species, which may indicate the differential accumulation of elements among organs due to physiological processes in turtle metabolism, bioaccumulation or excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sude Çelik
- Pamukkale University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Damla Beton
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Cyprus
| | - Burak Ali Çiçek
- Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, 99628, Famagusta, north Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey; Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Underwater Research and Imaging Center (URIC), 99628, Famagusta, north Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Robin T E Snape
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, Gonyeli, Cyprus; Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Eyup Başkale
- Pamukkale University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Denizli, Turkey.
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Method Comparison of β-Hydroxybutyrate Using a Point-of-Care Device and Dry Chemistry Analyzer in Three Sea Turtle Species. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:670-674. [PMID: 35417920 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serves as an energy source when bodily energy stores are low. Concentrations of this blood analyte are often determined by spectrophotometric quantitative assays with a dry chemistry analyzer; however, rapid assessment with point-of-care devices have the potential to improve assessment of animals in the field or in clinical settings. We measured BHB concentrations in whole blood samples from 54 leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), 27 loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and 14 green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles in Florida, US with a point-of-care device and validated its use with corresponding plasma samples and dry chemistry analyzer as the gold standard. Concentrations of BHB highly correlated between the two methods for all three species, with loggerheads showing the best agreement and lowest bias. Therefore, the point-of-care device used for this study (Lucidplus β-ketone monitoring system) is probably appropriate for sea turtle BHB measurements.
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Morphometrics and blood analytes of leatherback sea turtle hatchlings (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida: reference intervals, temporal trends with clutch deposition date, and body size correlations. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:313-324. [PMID: 34997274 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01422-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) population is exhibiting decreasing trends along numerous nesting beaches. Since population health and viability are inherently linked, it is important to establish species- and life-stage class-specific blood analyte reference intervals (RIs) so that effects of future disturbances on organismal health can be better understood. For hatchling leatherbacks, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish RIs for morphometrics and blood analytes; (2) evaluate correlations between hatchling morphometrics, blood analytes, and hatching success; and (3) determine temporal trends in hatchling morphometrics and blood analytes across nesting season. Blood samples were collected from 176 naturally emerging leatherback hatchlings from 18 clutches. Reference intervals were established for morphometrics and blood analytes. Negative relationships were noted between hatchling mass and packed cell volume, total white blood cells, heterophils, lymphocytes, and total protein and between body condition index (BCI) and immature red blood cells (RBC), RBC polychromasia and anisocytosis, and total protein. Clutch deposition date showed positive relationships with lymphocytes and total protein, and negative relationships with hatchling mass and BCI. Hatching success was positively correlated with mass, and negatively with total protein and glucose, suggesting that nutritional provisions in eggs, incubation time, and/or metabolic rates could change later in the season and affect survivorship. These various observed correlations provide evidence for increased physiological stress (e.g., inflammation, subclinical dehydration) in hatchlings emerging later in nesting season, presumably due to increased nest temperatures or other environmental factors (e.g., moisture/rainfall). Data reported herein provide morphometric and blood analyte data for leatherback hatchlings and will allow for future investigations into spatiotemporal trends and responses to various stressors.
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Andersson KE, Adamovicz L, Mumm LE, Bradley SE, Winter JM, Glowacki G, Cray C, Allender MC. Plasma electrophoresis profiles of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and influences of month, age, sex, health status, and location. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258397. [PMID: 34648539 PMCID: PMC8516212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Baseline plasma electrophoresis profiles (EPH) are important components of overall health and may aid in the conservation and captive management of species. The aim of this study was to establish plasma protein fractions for free-ranging Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and evaluate differences due to age class (adult vs. sub-adult vs. juvenile), sex (male, female, or unknown), year (2018 vs. 2019), month (May vs. June vs. July), health status, and geographical location (managed vs. unmanaged sites). Blood samples were obtained from 156 Blanding’s turtles in the summer of 2018 and 129 in 2019 at two adjacent sites in Illinois. Results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that age class, sex, year, month, health status, and geographical location all contributed to the variation observed in free-ranging populations. Adult females had the highest concentration of many protein fractions, likely associated with reproductive activity. Juveniles had lower protein concentrations. Temperature and rainfall differences between years impacted concentrations between 2018 and 2019, while May and June of both years saw higher levels in some protein fractions likely due to peak breeding and nesting season. Individuals with evidence of trauma or disease also showed increased plasma protein fractions when compared to those that were considered healthy. The two sites showed a wide/large variation over the two years. All of these factors emphasize the importance of considering multiple demographic or environmental factors when interpreting the EPH fractions. Establishing ranges for these analytes will allow investigation into disease prevalence and other environmental factors impacting this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E. Andersson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KEA); (MCA)
| | - Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Mumm
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Samantha E. Bradley
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - John M. Winter
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Gary Glowacki
- Lake County Forest Preserve District, Libertyville, IL, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Matthew C. Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KEA); (MCA)
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Page-Karjian A, Chabot R, Stacy NI, Morgan AS, Valverde RA, Stewart S, Coppenrath CM, Manire CA, Herbst LH, Gregory CR, Ritchie BW, Perrault JR. Comprehensive health assessment of green turtles Chelonia mydas nesting in southeastern Florida, USA. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Important indicators of population health needed for large-scale sea turtle population recovery efforts include demographics, disease and mortality trends, condition indices, and baseline blood data. With this comprehensive health assessment of adult female green sea turtles Chelonia mydas nesting on Juno Beach, Florida, USA, we (1) established comprehensive baseline health indices; (2) identified individuals with evidence of infection by chelonid alphaherpesviruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5, ChHV6), which are implicated in fibropapillomatosis and respiratory and skin disease, respectively; and (3) compared measured health indices between turtles that did versus those that did not test positive for ChHV5 and/or ChHV6. All 60 turtles included in the study were in good body condition with no external fibropapillomatosis tumors. Hematological and biochemical reference intervals were established. Via quantitative PCR (qPCR), 5/60 turtles (8%) tested positive for ChHV5, and all turtles were negative for ChHV6. Of 41 turtles tested for antibodies to ChHV5 and ChHV6, 29% and 15% tested positive, respectively, and 10% tested positive for antibodies to both viruses. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between health variables for nesting turtles that tested positive for ChHV5 DNA versus those that tested negative; and also no differences between turtles that tested positive for ChHV5 or ChHV6 antibodies and those that did not. This suggests that these viruses are enzootically stable in Florida’s adult green turtles. This study provides a health profile of nesting green turtles in southeastern Florida applicable to temporal and spatial investigations of this and other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Page-Karjian
- Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA
| | - R Chabot
- Inwater Research Group, Jensen Beach, Florida 34957, USA
| | - NI Stacy
- Aquatic, Amphibian, and Reptile Pathology Program, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32608, USA
| | - AS Morgan
- Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA
| | - RA Valverde
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402, USA
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, Florida 32609, USA
| | - S Stewart
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402, USA
| | - CM Coppenrath
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida 33408, USA
| | - CA Manire
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida 33408, USA
| | - LH Herbst
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - CR Gregory
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - BW Ritchie
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - JR Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida 33408, USA
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Banerjee SM, Allen CD, Schmitt T, Cheng BS, Seminoff JA, Eguchi T, Komoroske LM. Baseline Health Parameters of East Pacific Green Turtles at Southern California Foraging Grounds. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1347.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya M. Banerjee
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
| | - Camryn D. Allen
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Todd Schmitt
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, California 92109 USA []
| | - Brian S. Cheng
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
| | - Jeffrey A. Seminoff
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Tomoharu Eguchi
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Lisa M. Komoroske
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
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Stacy NI, Chabot RM, Innis CJ, Cray C, Fraser KM, Rigano KS, Perrault JR. Plasma chemistry in nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida: Understanding the importance of sample hemolysis effects on blood analytes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222426. [PMID: 31504062 PMCID: PMC6736308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma chemistry is widely used in diagnostic and research settings in sea turtles. However, plasma discolorations such as hemolysis are often not considered in data interpretation. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of moderate hemolysis on plasma electrolytes, minerals, and proteins using dry chemistry analysis (DCA) and protein electrophoresis from nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida and to (2) establish blood analyte reference intervals. Twenty-six plasma samples with absence of hemolysis were selected and sub-divided into one non-hemolytic aliquot and an aliquot that was experimentally manipulated to mimic moderate hemolysis. Plasma samples were analyzed for hemoglobin using a handheld photometer; sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and total protein using DCA; and protein electrophoresis. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin were measured in corresponding whole blood samples. Reference intervals were established. All analytes except calcium and pre-albumin were significantly higher and the calcium:phosphorus and albumin:globulin ratios were significantly lower in hemolytic plasma compared to non-hemolytic plasma. Alpha2-globulins and potassium were the analytes most impacted by hemolysis, averaging 3.3- and 2.0-fold higher in hemolyzed samples, respectively, indicating that (1) hemoglobin migrates into the alpha2-globulin region in this species and (2) notable intracellular potassium is released into plasma with hemolysis. Attempted conversion factors for compensation of hemolysis were considered inaccurate for 4 of 16 analytes due to non-significant regression lines. We also report that PCV provides an estimate of hemoglobin (g/L) using the formula: (2.59 × PCV) + 24.59. Given the spurious effects of hemolysis, the degree of this artifact should be reported with biochemistry data, and samples with moderate to severe hemolysis should be excluded from datasets when interpreting electrolyte, mineral, and protein results. This will ensure accurate data interpretation for individual turtles in rehabilitation or research settings and population-level data relevant to conservation-focused projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I. Stacy
- Aquatic, Amphibian, and Reptile Pathology Program, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ryan M. Chabot
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., Jensen Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Charles J. Innis
- New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Katelyn M. Fraser
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kimberly S. Rigano
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
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11
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Perrault JR, Lehner AF, Buchweitz JP, Page-Karjian A. Evidence of accumulation and elimination of inorganic contaminants from the lachrymal salt glands of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 217:59-67. [PMID: 30408652 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plasma osmolalities of marine vertebrates are generally lower than the surrounding medium; therefore, marine organisms must cope with the osmoregulatory challenges of life in a salty environment. The salt glands serve to maintain osmotic and ionic homeostasis in a number of lower marine vertebrates. One marine reptile, the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), ingests excessive amounts of salts due to their diet of gelatinous zooplankton. Outside of the normal osmoregulatory function of the salt gland, little research has been conducted on contaminant accumulation and excretion in this organ. Here, we established arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) and salt gland secretions (SGSs) of nesting leatherbacks. We also collected salt glands from different life stage classes of dead stranded leatherbacks from the western Atlantic Ocean to determine if inorganic contaminants accumulate in this organ. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling and regression analyses, we determined that RBC and SGS inorganic contaminant concentrations were not correlated. Additionally, RBCs showed significantly higher concentrations of these contaminants in comparison to SGSs, likely due to the affinity of inorganic contaminants for the heme group of RBCs. Lastly, we found that salt gland cadmium and mercury concentrations tended to increase with increasing curved carapace length (CCL) in stranded leatherbacks. Our results indicate that different physiological mechanisms determine the distribution of inorganic contaminants in blood and SGSs. Increases in salt gland contaminant concentrations with increasing CCL suggest this organ as a potential target for accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA.
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, East Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, East Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Annie Page-Karjian
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
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March DT, Ariel E, Munns S, Rudd D, Blyde D, Christidis L, Kelaher BP. Physiological changes in post-hatchling green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) following short-term fasting: implications for release protocols. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz016. [PMID: 31110766 PMCID: PMC6521679 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Relocation of sea turtle nests and the retention of post-hatchlings for head-starting programs are both commonly used to improve conservation outcomes and facilitate eco-tourism ventures. Currently, there is little literature surrounding the husbandry protocols required during these programs to optimize post-release outcomes. To assess the impact of varied feeding regimes on exercise performance, (which will hereafter be referred to as 'fitness'), 40 10-month-old captive post-hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were divided into four groups of 10 and fasted for either 3, 9, 10 or 15 h. The animals were then subjected to a fitness test via repetitive use of the 'righting reflex' on land. Health assessments were conducted prior to the fitness test, including; heart rate, haematocrit (Hct), heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and the measurement of 11 biochemical analytes, including pH, partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PvCO2) and oxygen (PvO2), lactate, bicarbonate (HCO3 -), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), ionized calcium (iCa2+), glucose and urea. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons and significant differences among groups were demonstrated for temperature, pH, HCO3 -, iCa2+, urea and lactate. To investigate physiological relationships between analytes, correlation coefficients were calculated between fitness and glucose, fitness and lactate, glucose and lactate, pH and iCa2+, pH and K+, pH and PvCO2, pH and HCO3 - and Hct and K+. Following correction for multiple comparisons, significant relationships were seen between pH and iCa2+ and pH and HCO3 -. Post-hatchling turtles appear to enter a catabolic state when exposed to short-term fasting. While this did not have a direct impact on fitness, the production of an intense energetic output from a catabolic state may induce a physiological debt. This study suggests that handling that induces a physical response should be minimized and animals should be fed within 10 h of release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane T March
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
- Corresponding author: National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia. Tel: +61 431182961.
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzy Munns
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Donna Rudd
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - David Blyde
- Veterinary Department, Sea World, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Les Christidis
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
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du Preez M, Nel R, Bouwman H. First report of metallic elements in loggerhead and leatherback turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 197:716-728. [PMID: 29407836 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bio-monitoring of pollutants in long-lived animals such as sea turtles is an important tool in ecotoxicology. We present the first report on metallic elements in sea turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. Eggs of the leatherback and loggerhead turtle that breed on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa were analysed for 30 elements. The eggshells and egg contents of the loggerhead turtle, the smaller of the two species, had higher or significantly higher concentrations than leatherbacks, except for strontium - the reason is unknown. Elemental concentrations in eggshells and contents were the same or lower compared with other studies. The differences in concentrations in the egg contents and eggshells between the two species are likely due to different trophic levels, migration patterns, life histories, age, and growth, as well as differences in pollution sources and the uptake, retention and elimination characteristics of the different elements by the different species. We found no congruence between patterns in eggshells and corresponding egg contents, for both species. However, eggshells and egg contents showed congruence between species. The lack of congruence between eggshells and contents within each species precludes using eggshell concentrations as a proxy for egg content concentrations. Copper, strontium, and selenium occurred at concentrations higher than available toxic reverence values. Further research is warranted, including the analyses of POPs, as well as possible deme discrimination based on compositional pattern differences. Turtles serve as 'active samplers' returning to the same location to breed-something that is not practical with marine mammals or elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M du Preez
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Nel
- Department of Zoology and Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Stacy NI, Bjorndal KA, Perrault JR, Martins HR, Bolten AB. Blood analytes of oceanic-juvenile loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta) from Azorean waters: reference intervals, size-relevant correlations and comparisons to neritic loggerheads from western Atlantic coastal waters. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy006. [PMID: 29479433 PMCID: PMC5814815 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood analyte reference intervals are scarce for immature life stages of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The objectives of this study were to (1) document reference intervals of packed cell volume (PCV) and 20 plasma chemistry analytes from wild oceanic-juvenile stage loggerhead turtles from Azorean waters, (2) investigate correlations with body size (minimum straight carapace length: SCLmin) and (3) compare plasma chemistry data to those from older, larger neritic juveniles (<80 cm SCLmin) and adult loggerheads (≥80 cm SCLmin) that have recruited to the West Atlantic in waters around Cape Canaveral, Florida. Twenty-eight Azorean loggerhead turtles with SCLmin of 17.6-60.0 cm (mean 34.9 ± 12.1 cm) were captured, sampled and immediately released. Reference intervals are reported. There were several biologically relevant correlations of blood analytes with SCLmin: positive correlations of PCV, proteins and triglycerides with SCLmin indicated somatic growth, increasing diving activity and/or diet; negative correlations of tissue enzymes with SCLmin suggested faster growth at smaller turtle size, while negative correlations of electrolytes with SCLmin indicated differences in diet, environmental conditions and/or osmoregulation unique to the geographic location. Comparisons of loggerhead turtles from the Azores (i.e. oceanic) and Cape Canaveral (i.e. neritic) identified significant differences regarding diet, somatic growth, and/or environment: in Azorean turtles, albumin, triglycerides and bilirubin increased with SCLmin, while alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and sodium decreased. In larger neritic Cape Canaveral turtles, aspartate aminotransferase increased with SCLmin, while the albumin:globulin ratio, phosphorus and cholesterol decreased. These differences suggest unique physiological disparities between life stage development and migration, reflecting biological and habitat differences between the two populations. This information presents biologically important data that is applicable to stranded individual turtles and to the population level, a tool for the development of conservation strategies, and a baseline for future temporal and spatial investigations of the Azorean loggerhead sea turtle population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Aquatic Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Karen A Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Justin R Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Helen R Martins
- University of the Azores, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, PT-9901-862 Horta, Azores, Portugal
| | - Alan B Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Lehner AF, Mott CR, Hirsch S, Gorham JC, Buchweitz JP, Bresette MJ, Walsh CJ. Potential effects of brevetoxins and toxic elements on various health variables in Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles after a red tide bloom event. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:967-979. [PMID: 28693110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural biotoxins and anthropogenic toxicants pose a significant risk to sea turtle health. Documented effects of contaminants include potential disease progression and adverse impacts on development, immune function, and survival in these imperiled species. The shallow seagrass habitats of Florida's northwest coast (Big Bend) serve as an important developmental habitat for Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles; however, few studies have been conducted in this area. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate plasma analytes (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index [BCI], fibropapilloma tumor score, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, plasma protein electrophoresis, cholesterol, and total solids) in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles and their correlation to brevetoxins that were released from a red tide bloom event from July-October 2014 in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's Big Bend, and (2) to analyze red blood cells in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles for toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, thallium) with correlation to the measured plasma analytes. Positive correlations were observed between brevetoxins and α2-globulins in Kemp's ridleys and α2- and γ-globulins in green turtles, indicating potential immunostimulation. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead positively correlated with superoxide dismutase in Kemp's ridleys, suggesting oxidative stress. Lead and mercury in green turtles negatively correlated with BCI, while mercury positively correlated with total tumor score of green turtles afflicted with fibropapillomatosis, suggesting a possible association with mercury and increased tumor growth. The total tumor score of green turtles positively correlated with total protein, total globulins, α2-globulins, and γ-globulins, further suggesting inflammation and immunomodulation as a result of fibropapillomatosis. Lastly, brevetoxin concentrations were positively related to tumor score, indicating potential tumor promotion by brevetoxin. These results signify that brevetoxins and toxic elements elicit various negative effects on sea turtle health, including immune function, oxidative stress, and possibly disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Cody R Mott
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Sarah Hirsch
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gorham
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Michael J Bresette
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
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Santidrián Tomillo P, Robinson NJ, Sanz-Aguilar A, Spotila JR, Paladino FV, Tavecchia G. High and variable mortality of leatherback turtles reveal possible anthropogenic impacts. Ecology 2017; 98:2170-2179. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Santidrián Tomillo
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
| | - N. J. Robinson
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biology; Indiana-Purdue University; Fort Wayne Indiana 46805 USA
| | - A. Sanz-Aguilar
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
| | - J. R. Spotila
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Drexel University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19104 USA
| | - F. V. Paladino
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biology; Indiana-Purdue University; Fort Wayne Indiana 46805 USA
| | - G. Tavecchia
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
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Perrault JR, Bauman KD, Greenan TM, Blum PC, Henry MS, Walsh CJ. Maternal transfer and sublethal immune system effects of brevetoxin exposure in nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from western Florida. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 180:131-140. [PMID: 27716578 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Blooms of Karenia brevis (also called red tides) occur almost annually in the Gulf of Mexico. The health effects of the neurotoxins (i.e., brevetoxins) produced by this toxic dinoflagellate on marine turtles are poorly understood. Florida's Gulf Coast represents an important foraging and nesting area for a number of marine turtle species. Most studies investigating brevetoxin exposure in marine turtles thus far focus on dead and/or stranded individuals and rarely examine the effects in apparently "healthy" free-ranging individuals. From May-July 2014, one year after the last red tide bloom, we collected blood from nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) on Casey Key, Florida USA. These organisms show both strong nesting and foraging site fidelity. The plasma was analyzed for brevetoxin concentrations in addition to a number of health and immune-related parameters in an effort to establish sublethal effects of this toxin. Lastly, from July-September 2014, we collected unhatched eggs and liver and yolk sacs from dead-in-nest hatchlings from nests laid by the sampled females and tested these samples for brevetoxin concentrations to determine maternal transfer and effects on reproductive success. Using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), all plasma samples from nesting females tested positive for brevetoxin (reported as ng brevetoxin-3[PbTx-3] equivalents [eq]/mL) exposure (2.1-26.7ng PbTx-3eq/mL). Additionally, 100% of livers (1.4-13.3ng PbTx-3eq/mL) and yolk sacs (1.7-6.6ng PbTx-3eq/mL) from dead-in-nest hatchlings and 70% of eggs (<1.0-24.4ng PbTx-3eq/mL) tested positive for brevetoxin exposure with the ELISA. We found that plasma brevetoxin concentrations determined by an ELISA in nesting females positively correlated with gamma-globulins, indicating a potential for immunomodulation as a result of brevetoxin exposure. While the sample sizes were small, we also found that plasma brevetoxin concentrations determined by an ELISA in nesting females significantly correlated with liver brevetoxin concentrations of dead-in-nest hatchlings and that brevetoxins could be related to a decreased reproductive success in this species. This study suggests that brevetoxins can still elicit negative effects on marine life long after a bloom has dissipated. These results improve our understanding of maternal transfer and sublethal effects of brevetoxin exposure in marine turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Marine Immunology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Katherine D Bauman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Middlebury College, 14 Old Chapel Road, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA.
| | - Taylor M Greenan
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA.
| | - Patricia C Blum
- Marine Immunology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Michael S Henry
- Marine Immunology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Marine Immunology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
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18
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EFFECTS OF "SWIM WITH THE TURTLES" TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON GREEN SEA TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) HEALTH IN BARBADOS, WEST INDIES. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52:S104-17. [PMID: 26845294 DOI: 10.7589/52.2s.s104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Along the West Coast of Barbados a unique relationship has developed between endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and humans. Fishermen began inadvertently provisioning these foraging turtles with fish offal discarded from their boats. Although initially an indirect supplementation, this activity became a popular attraction for visitors. Subsequently, demand for this activity increased, and direct supplementation or provisioning with food began. Food items offered included raw whole fish (typically a mixture of false herring [Harengula clupeola] and pilchard [Harengula humeralis]), filleted fish, and lesser amounts of processed food such as hot dogs, chicken, bread, or various other leftovers. Alterations in behavior and growth rates as a result of the provisioning have been documented in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine how tourism-based human interactions are affecting the overall health of this foraging population and to determine what potential health risks these interactions may create for sea turtles. Juvenile green sea turtles (n=29) were captured from four sites off the coast of Barbados, West Indies, and categorized into a group that received supplemental feeding as part of a tour (n=11) or an unsupplemented group (n=18) that consisted of individuals that were captured at sites that did not provide supplemental feeding. Following capture, a general health assessment of each animal was conducted. This included weight and morphometric measurements, a systematic physical examination, determination of body condition score and body condition index, epibiota assessment and quantification, and clinical pathology including hematologic and biochemical testing and nutritional assessments. The supplemented group was found to have changes to body condition, vitamin, mineral, hematologic, and biochemical values. Based on these results, recommendations were made to decrease negative behaviors and health impacts for turtles as a result of this provisioning.
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Vander Zanden HB, Bolten AB, Tucker AD, Hart KM, Lamont MM, Fujisaki I, Reich KJ, Addison DS, Mansfield KL, Phillips KF, Pajuelo M, Bjorndal KA. Biomarkers reveal sea turtles remained in oiled areas following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:2145-2155. [PMID: 27755731 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of large-scale disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, are problematic because while measurements of post-disturbance conditions are common, measurements of pre-disturbance baselines are only rarely available. Without adequate observations of pre-disaster organismal and environmental conditions, it is impossible to assess the impact of such catastrophes on animal populations and ecological communities. Here, we use long-term biological tissue records to provide pre-disaster data for a vulnerable marine organism. Keratin samples from the carapace of loggerhead sea turtles record the foraging history for up to 18 years, allowing us to evaluate the effect of the oil spill on sea turtle foraging patterns. Samples were collected from 76 satellite-tracked adult loggerheads in 2011 and 2012, approximately one to two years after the spill. Of the 10 individuals that foraged in areas exposed to surface oil, none demonstrated significant changes in foraging patterns post spill. The observed long-term fidelity to foraging sites indicates that loggerheads in the northern Gulf of Mexico likely remained in established foraging sites, regardless of the introduction of oil and chemical dispersants. More research is needed to address potential long-term health consequences to turtles in this region. Mobile marine organisms present challenges for researchers to monitor effects of environmental disasters, both spatially and temporally. We demonstrate that biological tissues can reveal long-term histories of animal behavior and provide critical pre-disaster baselines following an anthropogenic disturbance or natural disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Vander Zanden
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA.
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA.
| | - Alan B Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Anton D Tucker
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida, 34236, USA
| | - Kristen M Hart
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 3321 College Ave, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Margaret M Lamont
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 7920 NW 71St St, Gainesville, Florida, 32653, USA
| | - Ikuko Fujisaki
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Ave, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Kimberly J Reich
- Texas A & M Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - David S Addison
- Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida, 34102, USA
| | - Katherine L Mansfield
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, Florida, 32816, USA
| | - Katrina F Phillips
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, Florida, 32816, USA
| | - Mariela Pajuelo
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Karen A Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
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20
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Vieira S, Martins S, Hawkes LA, Marco A, Teodósio MA. Biochemical indices and life traits of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from Cape Verde Islands. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112181. [PMID: 25390348 PMCID: PMC4229144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is an endangered marine reptile for whom assessing population health requires knowledge of demographic parameters such as individual growth rate. In Cape Verde, as within several populations, adult female loggerhead sea turtles show a size-related behavioral and trophic dichotomy. While smaller females are associated with oceanic habitats, larger females tend to feed in neritic habitats, which is reflected in their physiological condition and in their offspring. The ratio of RNA/DNA provides a measure of cellular protein synthesis capacity, which varies depending on changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and food availability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined use of morphometric data and biochemical indices as predictors of the physiological condition of the females of distinct sizes and hatchlings during their nesting season and how temperature may influence the physiological condition on the offspring. Here we employed biochemical indices based on nucleic acid derived indices (standardized RNA/DNA ratio-sRD, RNA concentration and DNA concentration) in skin tissue as a potential predictor of recent growth rate in nesting females and hatchling loggerhead turtles. Our major findings were that the physiological condition of all nesting females (sRD) decreased during the nesting season, but that females associated with neritic habitats had a higher physiological condition than females associated with oceanic habitats. In addition, the amount of time required for a hatchling to right itself was negatively correlated with its physiological condition (sRD) and shaded nests produced hatchlings with lower sRD. Overall, our results showed that nucleic acid concentrations and ratios of RNA to DNA are an important tool as potential biomarkers of recent growth in marine turtles. Hence, as biochemical indices of instantaneous growth are likely temperature-, size- and age-dependent, the utility and validation of these indices on marine turtles stocks deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vieira
- Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Samir Martins
- Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Lucy A. Hawkes
- University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Adolfo Marco
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M. Alexandra Teodósio
- Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
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