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Song J, Lin B, Jia Y, Dutton PH, Kang B, Balazs GH, Liu M. New management unit for conservation of the Endangered green turtle Chelonia mydas at the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, South China Sea. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qilianyu cluster of the Xisha (Paracel) Islands has one of the few remaining green turtle Chelonia mydas rookeries in the China region. Genetic samples were obtained from dead green turtle embryos and hatchlings salvaged from post-hatched nests at Middle Island (n = 3), North Island (n = 9) and South Sand (n = 1) of the Qilianyu cluster in 2017-2019. The ~800 bp mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced from the samples, and 5 haplotypes were identified belonging to 2 documented clades (clades III and VIII), including 2 new haplotypes (CmP243.1 and CmP244.1) and 3 previously reported haplotypes (CmP18.1, CmP19.1, CmP20.1). These results were combined with previously published mtDNA data for the Qilianyu cluster and nearby (~93 km) Yongle Islands indicating a lack of differentiation based on truncated 384 bp control region sequences (exact test, p = 0.0997; FST = 0.015, p = 0.2760), to represent a single Xisha Islands rookery. The rookery at the Xisha Islands was significantly differentiated (p < 0.01) from all 19 management units (MUs) documented in the Indo-Pacific and Japan regions, supporting recognition of the Xisha Islands rookery as a new independent MU. The results will help inform national and international conservation action plans by China and the countries around the South China Sea to protect green turtles in the West Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Song
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province 361102, PR China
| | - B Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province 361102, PR China
| | - Y Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province 361102, PR China
| | - PH Dutton
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - B Kang
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao City, Shandong Province 266003, PR China
| | - GH Balazs
- Golden Honu Services of Oceania, Honolulu, Hawaii 98625, USA
| | - M Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province 361102, PR China
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Brunson S, Gaos AR, Kelly IK, Van Houtan KS, Swimmer Y, Hargrove S, Balazs GH, Work TM, Jones TT. Three decades of stranding data reveal insights into endangered hawksbill sea turtles in Hawai‘i&dagger. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hawksbill sea turtles Eretmochelys imbricata inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands are extremely rare and listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. The paucity of data on basic hawksbill ecology continues to hinder effective management of the species. We analyzed stranding data collected between 1984 and 2018 to gain insights into the distribution, demography, and conservation challenges facing hawksbills in Hawai‘i. In doing so, we present a comprehensive description of the population across developmental stages and rank threats that may be impeding their successful recovery. Over the >30 yr data set, we recorded a total of only 111 juvenile and adult hawksbill stranding events. Interactions with nearshore recreational fishing gear were documented for a large proportion (48.6%) of stranding events in the Hawaiian Islands, identifying this as the primary management challenge for the species. Stranding events were biased towards females (female to male sex ratio of 4.8:1.0), which may be indicative of the population as a whole. Even though the majority of hawksbills nest on the islands of Hawai‘i Moloka‘i, and Maui, the greatest number of juvenile to adult strandings was found to be on the island of Oahu (n = 47). Temporal distribution of the majority of adult hawksbill strandings (72.2%) occurred during a 4 mo period between June and September. We discuss these and other findings that help identify future research and conservation efforts to mitigate anthropogenic threats in Hawai‘i for this enigmatic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brunson
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818, USA
| | - AR Gaos
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818, USA
| | - IK Kelly
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818, USA
| | - KS Van Houtan
- Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Y Swimmer
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Resources and Monitoring Division, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818, USA
| | - S Hargrove
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - GH Balazs
- Golden Honu Services of Oceania, 992 Awa’awa’anoa Place, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96825, USA
| | - TM Work
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-231, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96850, USA
| | - TT Jones
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Resources and Monitoring Division, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818, USA
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Briscoe DK, Parker DM, Balazs GH, Kurita M, Saito T, Okamoto H, Rice M, Polovina JJ, Crowder LB. Active dispersal in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) during the 'lost years'. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.0690. [PMID: 27252021 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly migratory marine species can travel long distances and across entire ocean basins to reach foraging and breeding grounds, yet gaps persist in our knowledge of oceanic dispersal and habitat use. This is especially true for sea turtles, whose complex life history and lengthy pelagic stage present unique conservation challenges. Few studies have explored how these young at-sea turtles navigate their environment, but advancements in satellite technology and numerical models have shown that active and passive movements are used in relation to open ocean features. Here, we provide the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to simultaneously combine a high-resolution physical forcing ocean circulation model with long-term multi-year tracking data of young, trans-oceanic North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles during their 'lost years' at sea. From 2010 to 2014, we compare simulated trajectories of passive transport with empirical data of 1-3 year old turtles released off Japan (29.7-37.5 straight carapace length cm). After several years, the at-sea distribution of simulated current-driven trajectories significantly differed from that of the observed turtle tracks. These results underscore current theories on active dispersal by young oceanic-stage sea turtles and give further weight to hypotheses of juvenile foraging strategies for this species. Such information can also provide critical geographical information for spatially explicit conservation approaches to this endangered population.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Briscoe
- Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - D M Parker
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2032 Southeast Oregon State University Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - G H Balazs
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Inouye Regional Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1845 WASP Boulevard Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
| | - M Kurita
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato-ku, Nagoya 455-0033, Japan
| | - T Saito
- Usa Marine Biological Institute, Kochi University, Usa Tosa, Kochi 781-1164, Japan
| | - H Okamoto
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato-ku, Nagoya 455-0033, Japan
| | - M Rice
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
| | - J J Polovina
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato-ku, Nagoya 455-0033, Japan
| | - L B Crowder
- Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 99 Pacific Street, Suite 555E, Monterey, CA 93949, USA
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Piacenza SE, Balazs GH, Hargrove SK, Richards PM, Heppell SS. Trends and variability in demographic indicators of a recovering population of green sea turtles Chelonia mydas. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Briscoe DK, Parker DM, Bograd S, Hazen E, Scales K, Balazs GH, Kurita M, Saito T, Okamoto H, Rice M, Polovina JJ, Crowder LB. Multi-year tracking reveals extensive pelagic phase of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles in the North Pacific. Mov Ecol 2016; 4:23. [PMID: 27729983 PMCID: PMC5048666 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-016-0087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The juvenile stage of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) can last for decades. In the North Pacific Ocean, much is known about their seasonal movements in relation to pelagic habitat, yet understanding their multi-year, basin-scale movements has proven more difficult. Here, we categorize the large-scale movements of 231 turtles satellite tracked from 1997 to 2013 and explore the influence of biological and environmental drivers on basin-scale movement. RESULTS Results show high residency of juvenile loggerheads within the Central North Pacific and a moderate influence of the Earth's magnetic field, but no real-time environmental driver to explain migratory behavior. CONCLUSIONS We suggest the Central North Pacific acts as important developmental foraging grounds for young juvenile loggerhead sea turtles, rather than just a migratory corridor. We propose several hypotheses that may influence the connectivity between western and eastern juvenile loggerhead foraging grounds in the North Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. K. Briscoe
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA USA
| | - D. M. Parker
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Newport, OR USA
| | - S. Bograd
- Environmental Research Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Monterey, CA USA
| | - E. Hazen
- Environmental Research Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Monterey, CA USA
| | - K. Scales
- Environmental Research Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Monterey, CA USA
| | - G. H. Balazs
- National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - M. Kurita
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-0033 Japan
| | - T. Saito
- Usa Marine Biological Institute, Kochi University, Usa Tosa, Kochi, 781-1164 Japan
| | - H. Okamoto
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-0033 Japan
| | - M. Rice
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mt. Rd. Kamuela, Hawaii, 96743 USA
| | - J. J. Polovina
- National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - L. B. Crowder
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA USA
- Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Monterey, CA USA
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Work TM, Dagenais J, Breeden R, Schneemann A, Sung J, Hew B, Balazs GH, Berestecky JM. Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Have Novel Asymmetrical Antibodies. The Journal of Immunology 2015; 195:5452-60. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Work TM, Dagenais J, Balazs GH, Schettle N, Ackermann M. Dynamics of Virus Shedding and In Situ Confirmation of Chelonid Herpesvirus 5 in Hawaiian Green Turtles With Fibropapillomatosis. Vet Pathol 2014; 52:1195-201. [PMID: 25445320 DOI: 10.1177/0300985814560236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancers in humans and animals can be caused by viruses, but virus-induced tumors are considered to be poor sites for replication of intact virions (lytic replication). Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a neoplastic disease associated with a herpesvirus, chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), that affects green turtles globally. ChHV5 probably replicates in epidermal cells of tumors, because epidermal intranuclear inclusions (EIIs) contain herpesvirus-like particles. However, although EIIs are a sign of herpesvirus replication, they have not yet been firmly linked to ChHV5. Moreover, the dynamics of viral shedding in turtles are unknown, and there are no serological reagents to confirm actual presence of the specific ChHV5 virus in tissues. The investigators analyzed 381 FP tumors for the presence of EIIs and found that overall, about 35% of green turtles had lytic replication in skin tumors with 7% of tumors showing lytic replication. A few (11%) turtles accounted for more than 30% cases having lytic viral replication, and lytic replication was more likely in smaller tumors. To confirm that turtles were actively replicating ChHV5, a prerequisite for shedding, the investigators used antiserum raised against F-VP26, a predicted capsid protein of ChHV5 that localizes to the host cell nucleus during viral replication. This antiserum revealed F-VP26 in EIIs of tumors, thus confirming the presence of replicating ChHV5. In this light, it is proposed that unlike other virus-induced neoplastic diseases, FP is a disease that may depend on superspreaders, a few highly infectious individuals growing numerous small tumors permissive to viral production, for transmission of ChHV5.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Work
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - J Dagenais
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - G H Balazs
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - N Schettle
- Institute of Virology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Ackermann
- Institute of Virology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Roden SE, Morin PA, Frey A, Balazs GH, Zarate P, Cheng IJ, Dutton PH. Green turtle population structure in the Pacific: new insights from single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Dutton PH, Balazs GH, LeRoux RA, Murakawa SKK, Zarate P, Martines LS. Composition of Hawaiian green turtle foraging aggregations: mtDNA evidence for a distinct regional population. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2008. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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10
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Van Dam RP, Diez CE, Balazs GH, Colón Colón LA, McMillan WO, Schroeder B. Sex-specific migration patterns of hawksbill turtles breeding at Mona Island, Puerto Rico. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2008. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Howell EA, Kobayashi DR, Parker DM, Balazs GH, Polovina AJJ. TurtleWatch: a tool to aid in the bycatch reduction of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta in the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2008. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Miao XS, Balazs GH, Murakawa SK, Li QX. Congener-specific profile and toxicity assessment of PCBs in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Hawaiian Islands. Sci Total Environ 2001; 281:247-253. [PMID: 11778957 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(01)00835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pollution may play a role in the etiology of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas). In this preliminary study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in the livers and adipose fats of green turtles collected after they were stranded on Oahu Island, Hawaii in 1992-1993. Average concentrations of total PCBs were 45-58 ng/g dry weight and 73-665 ng/g in the liver and adipose tissues, respectively. Hexachlorobiphenyls were predominant homologues, PCBs 153 and 138 were dominant congeners in all the turtle tissues. Among the most toxic coplanar congeners, in the order of abundance, were PCB 77 > 126 > 169. Estimated toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PCBs to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin were 8-15 pg/g in the livers and 13-48 pg/g in the adipose tissues. PCB 126 contributed 85-91% of the total TEQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- X S Miao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Biosystems Engineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96822, USA
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13
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Quackenbush SL, Casey RN, Murcek RJ, Paul TA, Work TM, Limpus CJ, Chaves A, duToit L, Perez JV, Aguirre AA, Spraker TR, Horrocks JA, Vermeer LA, Balazs GH, Casey JW. Quantitative analysis of herpesvirus sequences from normal tissue and fibropapillomas of marine turtles with real-time PCR. Virology 2001; 287:105-11. [PMID: 11504546 DOI: 10.1006/viro.2001.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR has been used to measure fibropapilloma-associated turtle herpesvirus (FPTHV) pol DNA loads in fibropapillomas, fibromas, and uninvolved tissues of green, loggerhead, and olive ridley turtles from Hawaii, Florida, Costa Rica, Australia, Mexico, and the West Indies. The viral DNA loads from tumors obtained from terminal animals were relatively homogeneous (range 2-20 copies/cell), whereas DNA copy numbers from biopsied tumors and skin of otherwise healthy turtles displayed a wide variation (range 0.001-170 copies/cell) and may reflect the stage of tumor development. FPTHV DNA loads in tumors were 2.5-4.5 logs higher than in uninvolved skin from the same animal regardless of geographic location, further implying a role for FPTHV in the etiology of fibropapillomatosis. Although FPTHV pol sequences amplified from tumors are highly related to each other, single signature amino acid substitutions distinguish the Australia/Hawaii, Mexico/Costa Rica, and Florida/Caribbean groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Quackenbush
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2106, USA
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Abstract
Cell-mediated and humoral immune status of free-ranging green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii (USA) with and without fibropapillornatosis (FP) were assessed. Tumored and non-tumored turtles from Kaneohe Bay (KB) on the island of Oahu and from FP-free areas on the west (Kona/Kohala) coast of the island of Hawaii were sampled from April 1998 through February 1999. Turtles on Oahu were grouped (0-3) for severity of tumors with 0 for absence of tumors, 1 for light, 2 for moderate, and 3 for most severe. Turtles were weighed, straight carapace length measured and the regression slope of weight to straight carapace length compared between groups (KB0, KB1, KB2, KB3, Kona). Blood was assayed for differential white blood cell count, hematocrit, in vitro peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in the presence of concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and protein electrophoresis. On Oahu, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio increased while eosinophil/monocyte ratio decreased with increasing tumors score. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation indices for ConA and PHA were significantly lower for turtles with tumor scores 2 and 3. Tumor score 3 turtles (KB3) had significantly lower hematocrit, total protein, alpha 1, alpha 2, and gamma globulins than the other four groups. No significant differences in immune status were seen between non-tumored (or KB1) turtles from Oahu and Hawaii. There was no significant difference between groups in regression slopes of body condition to carapace length. We conclude that turtles with severe FP are imunosuppressed. Furthermore, the lack of significant difference in immune status between non-tumored (and KB1) turtles from Oahu and Kona/Kohala indicates that immunosuppression may not be a prerequisite for development of FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Work
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Hawaii 96850, USA.
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Lu Y, Wang Y, Yu Q, Aguirre AA, Balazs GH, Nerurkar VR, Yanagihara R. Detection of herpesviral sequences in tissues of green turtles with fibropapilloma by polymerase chain reaction. Arch Virol 2001; 145:1885-93. [PMID: 11043948 DOI: 10.1007/s007050070063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
An alpha-herpesvirus has been associated recently with green turtle fibropapilloma (FP). To further clarify the role of this newfound green turtle herpesvirus (GTHV) in the pathogenesis of FP, various normal-appearing tissues and organs (including skin, eye, brain, heart, liver, spleen, intestine, lung, kidney, nerve, gonad, tongue, gall bladder, urinary bladder, thyroid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blood) and tumor tissues from 19 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with FP, and tissues from three green turtles without FP, collected during 1997 to 1999 in the Hawaiian Islands, were tested for GTHV sequences by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using GTHV-specific oligonuclotide primers. GTHV sequences were detected in all tumors (51/51) and most tissues (133/167) of tumored turtles. By contrast, such sequences were undetectable in tissues (0/28) of three non-tumored turtles. Analysis of GTHV sequences detected in different tissues and tumors revealed a low degree of genetic diversity (<1%). The wide distribution of this newfound herpesvirus in tumors and tissues of tumored green turtles and its absence in tissues of non-tumored turtles, argues for an etiologic role in FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Retrovirology Research Laboratory, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Leahi Hospital, Honolulu 96816, USA
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16
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Work TM, Balazs GH, Rameyer RA, Chang SP, Berestecky J. Assessing humoral and cell-mediated immune response in Hawaiian green turtles, Chelonia mydas. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2000; 74:179-94. [PMID: 10802287 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2427(00)00168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Seven immature green turtles, Chelonia mydas, captured from Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu were used to evaluate methods for assessing their immune response. Two turtles each were immunized intramuscularly with egg white lysozyme (EWL) in Freund's complete adjuvant, Gerbu, or ISA-70; a seventh turtle was immunized with saline only and served as a control. Humoral immune response was measured with an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell-mediated immune response was measured using in vitro cell proliferation assays (CPA) using whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) cultured with concanavalin A (ConA), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), or soluble egg EWL antigen. All turtles, except for one immunized with Gerbu and the control, produced a detectable humoral immune response by 6 weeks which persisted for at least 14 weeks after a single immunization. All turtles produced an anamnestic humoral immune response after secondary immunization. Antigen specific cell-mediated immune response in PBM was seen in all turtles either after primary or secondary immunization, but it was not as consistent as humoral immune response; antigen specific cell-mediated immune response in whole blood was rarely seen. Mononuclear cells had significantly higher stimulation indices than whole blood regardless of adjuvant, however, results with whole blood had lower variability. Both Gerbu and ISA-70 appeared to potentiate the cell-mediated immune response when PBM or whole blood were cultured with PHA. This is the first time cell proliferation assays have been compared between whole blood and PBM for reptiles. This is also the first demonstration of antigen specific cell-mediated response in reptiles. Cell proliferation assays allowed us to evaluate the cell-mediated immune response of green turtles. However, CPA may be less reliable than ELISA for detecting antigen specific immune response. Either of the three adjuvants appears suitable to safely elicit a detectable immune response in green turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Work
- U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu, HI 96850, USA.
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17
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Lu Y, Aguirre AA, Work TM, Balazs GH, Nerurkar VR, Yanagihara R. Identification of a small, naked virus in tumor-like aggregates in cell lines derived from a green turtle, Chelonia mydas, with fibropapillomas. J Virol Methods 2000; 86:25-33. [PMID: 10713373 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-0934(99)00175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Serial cultivation of cell lines derived from lung, testis, periorbital and tumor tissues of a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomas resulted in the in vitro formation of tumor-like cell aggregates, ranging in size from 0.5 to 2.0 mm in diameter. Successful induction of tumor-like aggregates was achieved in a cell line derived from lung tissue of healthy green turtles, following inoculation with cell-free media from these tumor-bearing cell lines, suggesting the presence of a transmissible agent. Thin-section electron microscopy of the cell aggregates revealed massive collagen deposits and intranuclear naked viral particles, measuring 50+/-5 nm in diameter. These findings, together with the morphological similarity between these tumor-like cell aggregates and the naturally occurring tumor, suggest a possible association between this novel virus and the disease. Further characterization of this small naked virus will clarify its role in etiology of green turtle fibropapilloma, a life-threatening disease of this endangered marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Retrovirology Research Laboratory, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Leahi Hospital, 3675 Kilauea Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA.
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Herbst LH, Jacobson ER, Klein PA, Balazs GH, Moretti R, Brown T, Sundberg JP. Comparative pathology and pathogenesis of spontaneous and experimentally induced fibropapillomas of green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Vet Pathol 1999; 36:551-64. [PMID: 10568436 DOI: 10.1354/vp.36-6-551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumor biopsy samples from 25 Floridian and 15 Hawaiian green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with spontaneous green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) and from 27 captive-reared green turtles with experimentally induced GTFP were examined microscopically to differentiate the histologic features that result from GTFP pathogenesis and those that result from incidental factors that may vary according to geographic region. Common histologic features for spontaneous and experimentally induced tumors included fibroblast proliferation in the superficial dermis, epidermal acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, epidermal basal cell degeneration with dermal-epidermal cleft formation, spinous layer degeneration with intraepidermal vesicle and pustule formation, and ulceration. Visceral tumors, found in eight of 10 (80%) free-ranging turtles with cutaneous disease that were examined after death, had extensive interstitial fibrous proliferation. The presence of spirorchid trematode eggs and associated foreign body granulomas, common secondary findings within spontaneous tumors, varied by geographic location, and these findings were not observed in experimentally induced tumors. Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions and intranuclear herpesvirus-associated antigen immunoreactivity were found in 18 of 38 (47%) experimentally induced cutaneous tumors and nine of 119 (7.5%) spontaneous tumors from Floridian but not Hawaiian turtles. The possible involvement of GTFP-associated herpesvirus in the pathogenesis of epidermal degenerative changes and GTFP pathogenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Herbst
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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19
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Abstract
The relationship between hematologic status and severity of tumor affliction in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomatosis (FP) was examined. During 1 wk periods in July 1997 and July 1998, we bled 108 free-ranging green turtles from Pala'au (Molokai, Hawaii, USA) where FP is endemic. Blood was analyzed for hematocrit, estimated total solids, total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential WBC count. Each turtle was assigned a subjective tumor score ranging from 0 (no visible external tumors) to 3 (heavily tumored) that indicated the severity of FP. There was a progressive increase in monocytes and a decrease in all other hematologic parameters except heterophils and total numbers of white blood cells as tumor score increased. These data indicate that tumor score can relate to physiologic status of green turtles afflicted with FP, and that tumor score is a useful field monitor of severity of FP in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Work
- U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resource Division, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Hawaii 96850, USA.
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Lu Y, Nerurkar VR, Aguirre AA, Work TM, Balazs GH, Yanagihara R. Establishment and characterization of 13 cell lines from a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomas. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 1999; 35:389-93. [PMID: 10462202 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-999-0113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Thirteen cell lines were established and characterized from brain, kidney, lung, spleen, heart, liver, gall bladder, urinary bladder, pancreas, testis, skin, and periorbital and tumor tissues of an immature male green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomas. Cell lines were optimally maintained at 30 degrees C in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Propagation of the turtle cell lines was serum dependent, and plating efficiencies ranged from 13 to 37%. The cell lines, which have been subcultivated more than 20 times, had a doubling time of approximately 30 to 36 h. When tested for their sensitivity to several fish viruses, most of the cell lines were susceptible to a rhabdovirus, spring viremia carp virus, but refractory to channel catfish virus (a herpesvirus), infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (a birnavirus), and two other fish rhabdoviruses, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus. During in vitro subcultivation, tumor-like cell aggregates appeared in cell lines derived from lungs, testis, and periorbital and tumor tissues, and small, naked intranuclear virus particles were detected by thin-section electron microscopy. These cell lines are currently being used in attempts to isolate the putative etiologic virus of green turtle fibropapilloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Retrovirology Research Laboratory, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
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Work TM, Raskin RE, Balazs GH, Whittaker SD. Morphologic and cytochemical characteristics of blood cells from Hawaiian green turtles. Am J Vet Res 1998; 59:1252-7. [PMID: 9781457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and characterize blood cells from free-ranging Hawaiian green turtles, Chelonia mydas. SAMPLE POPULATION 26 green turtles from Puako on the island of Hawaii and Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu. PROCEDURE Blood was examined, using light and electron microscopy and cytochemical stains that included benzidine peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase, acid phosphatase, Sudan black B, periodic acid-Schiff, and toluidine blue. RESULTS 6 types of WBC were identified: lymphocytes, monocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils, basophils, and eosinophils (small and large). Morphologic characteristics of mononuclear cells and most granulocytes were similar to those of cells from other reptiles except that green turtles have both large and small eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS Our classification of green turtle blood cells clarifies improper nomenclature reported previously and provides a reference for future hematologic studies in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Work
- US Geological Survey, Biological Resource Division, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu, HI 96850, USA
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Quackenbush SL, Work TM, Balazs GH, Casey RN, Rovnak J, Chaves A, duToit L, Baines JD, Parrish CR, Bowser PR, Casey JW. Three closely related herpesviruses are associated with fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles. Virology 1998; 246:392-9. [PMID: 9657957 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1998.9207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Green turtle fibropapillomatosis is a neoplastic disease of increasingly significant threat to the survivability of this species. Degenerate PCR primers that target highly conserved regions of genes encoding herpesvirus DNA polymerases were used to amplify a DNA sequence from fibropapillomas and fibromas from Hawaiian and Florida green turtles. All of the tumors tested (n = 23) were found to harbor viral DNA, whereas no viral DNA was detected in skin biopsies from tumor-negative turtles. The tissue distribution of the green turtle herpesvirus appears to be generally limited to tumors where viral DNA was found to accumulate at approximately two to five copies per cell and is occasionally detected, only by PCR, in some tissues normally associated with tumor development. In addition, herpesviral DNA was detected in fibropapillomas from two loggerhead and four olive ridley turtles. Nucleotide sequencing of a 483-bp fragment of the turtle herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene determined that the Florida green turtle and loggerhead turtle sequences are identical and differ from the Hawaiian green turtle sequence by five nucleotide changes, which results in two amino acid substitutions. The olive ridley sequence differs from the Florida and Hawaiian green turtle sequences by 15 and 16 nucleotide changes, respectively, resulting in four amino acid substitutions, three of which are unique to the olive ridley sequence. Our data suggest that these closely related turtle herpesviruses are intimately involved in the genesis of fibropapillomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Quackenbush
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Abstract
Pathologic examination of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Hawaiian Islands (USA) was performed to determine the primary cause of mortality. Lesions were associated with fibropapillomatosis (FP) and/or spirorchidiasis (SP) in 16 of 17 green turtles examined. Gross lesions included moderate to severe emaciation, lobulated fibropapillomas of different size classes, serous atrophy of fat, and edema of subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Anasarca, hydropericardium and pulmonary edema were common findings. The neoplastic lesions observed in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver, and kidneys of 29% of turtles examined were histologically characterized as fibromas. A generalized thickening and hardening of major vessels and thrombosis with partial or complete lumen occlusion were observed in turtles with FP and SP. Histologically, lymphoplasmocytic endarteritis was observed in vessels of turtles with both conditions. Multifocal granulomas were associated with trematode ova in the parenchyma of most organs of all turtles with FP and SP. Spirorchidiasis and FP were considered the primary causes of mortality in the turtles examined. Further studies should focus on the pathogenic interaction of both conditions and their synergism as debilitating and fatal diseases in this threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Aguirre
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96822-2396, USA
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Graczyk TK, Balazs GH, Work T, Aguirre AA, Ellis DM, Murakawa S, Morris R. Cryptosporidium sp. Infections in Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas, as a Potential Source of Marine Waterborne Oocysts in the Hawaiian Islands. Appl Environ Microbiol 1997; 63:2925-7. [PMID: 16535658 PMCID: PMC1389213 DOI: 10.1128/aem.63.7.2925-2927.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For the first time, Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were identified in fecal and intestinal samples from free-ranging marine turtles, Chelonia mydas, from the Hawaiian Islands. The oocysts produced positive reactions with commercial test kits recommended for the detection of human-infectious waterborne oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum.
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Graczyk TK, Aguirre AA, Balazs GH. Detection by ELISA of circulating anti-blood fluke (Carettacola, Hapalotrema, and Learedius) immunoglobulins in Hawaiian green turtles (Chelonia mydas). J Parasitol 1995; 81:416-21. [PMID: 7776127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described utilizing the surface glycocalyx crude antigen of adult blood trematodes Learedius learedi, Hapalotrema dorsopora, and Carettacola hawaiiensis, for the detection of circulating antibodies (Ab) in Hawaiian green turtles (Chelonia mydas) naturally infected with the parasites and with or without green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP). A concentration of 10.0 micrograms/ml of antigen was optimal in terms of test specificity and sensitivity. A direct ELISA with anti-reptilian/amphibian phosphatase-labeled IgG identified C. mydas Ab at a dilution of 1/12,800. Utilizing indirect ELISA, it was possible to detect Ab to blood flukes at a dilution of 1/3,200. The gross lesions and histopathology were typical for cardiovascular spirorchidiasis in C. mydas. No significant relationship was found between the size of turtles and the degree of GTFP severity. Forty-seven of 59 (80%) samples, from 5 sites, gave a positive ELISA reaction; 6 of the 47 (13%) specimens gave significantly (P < 0.001) higher absorbance values, with 5 from the same location. All 12 (20%) ELISA-negative turtles originated from 1 site, and the absorbance values of the 41 animals from this location were significantly lower (P < 0.015) when compared with the other 4 sites. The proposed assay is fast, has the feature of visual scoring, and can be used for determination of exposure of C. mydas to the spirorchid trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Graczyk
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Bowen BW, Abreu-Grobois FA, Balazs GH, Kamezaki N, Limpus CJ, Ferl RJ. Trans-Pacific migrations of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) demonstrated with mitochondrial DNA markers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995; 92:3731-4. [PMID: 7731974 PMCID: PMC42035 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.9.3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) have recently been documented in the vicinity of Baja California and thousands of these animals have been captured in oceanic fisheries of the North Pacific. The presence of loggerhead turtles in the central and eastern North Pacific is a prominent enigma in marine turtle distribution because the nearest documented nesting concentrations for this species are in Australia and Japan, over 10,000 km from Baja California. To determine the origin of the Baja California feeding aggregate and North Pacific fishery mortalities, samples from nesting areas and pelagic feeding aggregates were compared with genetic markers derived from mtDNA control region sequences. Overall, 57 of 60 pelagic samples (95%) match haplotypes seen only in Japanese nesting areas, implicating Japan as the primary source of turtles in the North Pacific Current and around Baja California. Australian nesting colonies may contribute the remaining 5% of these pelagic feeding aggregates. Juvenile loggerhead turtles apparently traverse the entire Pacific Ocean, approximately one-third of the planet, in the course of developmental migrations, but mortality in high-seas fisheries raises concern over the future of this migratory population.
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Affiliation(s)
- B W Bowen
- BEECS (Biotechnologies for the Ecological, Evolutionary, and Conservation Sciences) Genetic Analysis Core, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Aguirre AA, Balazs GH, Zimmerman B, Spraker TR. Evaluation of Hawaiian green turtles (Chelonia mydas) for potential pathogens associated with fibropapillomas. J Wildl Dis 1994; 30:8-15. [PMID: 8151829 DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-30.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Thirty-two juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were captured alive in Kaneohe Bay, Island of Oahu, Hawaii, during September 1991. Ten of the turtles sampled were afflicted with green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) in varying degrees of severity. Virus isolation attempts were negative in all individuals. Using nasopharyngeal and cloacal swabs, we isolated 28 Gram negative bacteria, five Gram positive cocci, Bacillus spp., and diphtheroids. The most common isolates included Pseudomonas fluorescens (68%), P. putrefaciens (66%), Vibrio alginolyticus (50%), non-hemolytic Streptococcus (50%), V. damsela (47%), and V. fluvialis (47%). Chlamydial antigen was detected in four of the turtles sampled. The primary lesions in animals with GTFP were hyperplasia of squamous epithelial cells and mesodermal proliferation with a marked degree of orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. Mites, leeches, and other organisms were associated with the surface of papilloma lesions. The etiologic agent of GTFP was not isolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Aguirre
- Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80522
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Dailey MD, Fast ML, Balazs GH. Carettacola hawaiiensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Spirorchidae) from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Hawaii. J Parasitol 1991; 77:906-9. [PMID: 1779294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Carettacola hawaiiensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Spirorchidae) is described from the hepatic vessels of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (L.), in Hawaii. The new species differs from any previously described species of Carettacola in size, placement of vitellaria, and shape and placement of Laurer's canal. The genus Haemoxenicon Martin and Bamberger, 1952, becomes a synonym of Carettacola Manter and Larson, 1950. Haemoxenicon stunkardi Martin and Bamberger, 1952, is transferred to the genus Carettacola Manter and Larson, 1950, and becomes Carettacola stunkardi n. comb. An emended generic diagnosis for Carettacola is given along with a key to the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Dailey
- Ocean Studies Institute, Department of Biology, California State University, Long Beach 90840-3702
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