Individual-based model framework to assess population consequences of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in bottlenose dolphins.
Marine mammals are susceptible to the effects of anthropogenic contaminants. Here we examine the effect of different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulation scenarios on potential population growth rates using, as an example, data obtained for the population of bottlenose dolphins from Sarasota Bay, Florida. To achieve this goal, we developed an individual-based model framework that simulates the accumulation of PCBs in the population and modifies first-year calf survival based on maternal blubber PCB levels. In our example the current estimated annual PCB accumulation rate for the Sarasota Bay dolphin population might be depressing the potential population growth rate. However, our predictions are limited both by model naivety and parameter uncertainty. We emphasize the need for more data collection on the relationship between maternal blubber PCB levels and calf survivorship, the annual accumulation of PCBs in the blubber of females, and the transfer of PCBs to the calf through the placenta and during lactation. Such data require continued efforts directed toward long-term studies of known individuals in wild and semiwild populations.
Hall
Ailsa J
AJ
Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. ajh7@st-andrews.ac.uk
McConnell
Bernie J
BJ
Rowles
Teri K
TK
Aguilar
Alex
A
Borrell
Asuncion
A
Schwacke
Lori
L
Reijnders
Peter J H
PJ
Wells
Randall S
RS
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001822:Body Burden; D050681:Bottle-Nosed Dolphin; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D011156:Population Density; D011158:Population Growth; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls