Marine mammals bellwethers for contamination of the oceans

 

The world’s oceans are teeming with life, among them marine mammals that include the largest species ever found in the animal kingdom. But the oceans also contain widespread chemical contaminants that are suspected of causing reproductive failures and susceptibility to disease in marine mammals. A new book, "Toxicology of Marine Mammals," edited by USGS scientist Tom O’Shea and three international scientists, takes a comprehensive look at the research on relationships between ocean pollutants and marine mammal health. The book includes recommendations for future research that are an outgrowth of a scientific workshop co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey and other cooperating agencies. Because many marine mammals are at the top of marine food chains where they are exposed to the highest concentrations of some contaminants, they are of concern for bioaccumulation of toxic compounds.

 For more information contact: Tom O'Shea

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  Toxicology in marine mammals