title: Organohalogen contaminants and trace metals in North-East Atlantic porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus).
abstract: The North-East Atlantic porbeagle (Lamna nasus) population has declined dramatically over the last few decades and is currently classified as 'Critically Endangered'. As long-lived, apex predators, they may be vulnerable to bioaccumulation of contaminants. In this study organohalogen compounds and trace elements were analysed in 12 specimens caught as incidental bycatch in commercial gillnet fisheries in the Celtic Sea in 2011. Levels of organohalogen contaminants were low or undetectable (summed CB and BDE concentrations 0.04-0.85 mg kg(-1)wet weight). A notably high Cd concentration (7.2 mg kg(-1)wet weight) was observed in one mature male, whereas the range observed in the other samples was much lower (0.04-0.26 mg kg(-1)wet weight). Hg and Pb concentrations were detected only in single animals, at 0.34 and 0.08 mg kg(-1)wet weight, respectively. These contaminant levels were low in comparison to other published studies for shark species.
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK. Electronic address: victoria.bendall@cefas.co.uk.
authors: Victoria A
authors: VA
authors: Bendall
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Jonathan L
authors: JL
authors: Barber
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Papachlimitzou
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Thi
authors: T
authors: Bolam
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Lee
authors: L
authors: Warford
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Stuart J
authors: SJ
authors: Hetherington
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Joana F
authors: JF
authors: Silva
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Sophy R
authors: SR
authors: McCully
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Losada
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Maes
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Jim R
authors: JR
authors: Ellis
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Robin J
authors: RJ
authors: Law
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005398:Fisheries; D006219:Halogens / Q000032:analysis*; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis; D009532:Nickel / Q000032:analysis; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis; D017747:Seafood / Q000032:analysis; D012754:Sharks / Q000378:metabolism*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D006219:Halogens; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014131:Trace Elements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D009532:Nickel; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D008628:Mercury
keywords: Celtic Sea; Flame retardants; Lamnidae; Metals; PCBs; Pelagic shark