Marine Mammal Projects
Beluga
The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an arctic adapted odontocete. They are typically 3-5m in length and weigh between 500 and 1500kg. Calves are relatively dark in colour, changing from brown to bluish and gray before becoming a striking pure white at sexual maturity.
Our work deals primarily with the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population. This is the southernmost population of this primarily arctic species and is believed to be geographically isolated from other populations. In the summer, the distribution of St. Lawrence beluga is centered around the Saguenay, but in the winter they are found from Tadoussac (at the mouth of the Saguenay) to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The St. Lawrence beluga is possibly best known for its high contamination load. Toxicological studies and necropsies of dead beached whales have revealed high levels of mercury, lead, PCB’s, DDT, Mirex, and benzo[a]pyrene metabolites, as well as large numbers of tumors, non-neoplastic lesions, and neoplasms.
We have been working in collaboration with the Group de Recherche et d’Éducation sur les Mammifères Marins (GREMM) since 1994, collecting skin biopsies from known individuals for genetic analyses. Individual-specific DNA profiles are being developed using a combination of molecular gender determination and genotypes from the mitochondrial control region, microsatellite loci, and Major Histocompatibility Complex loci. The genetic data, in conjunction with the GREMM’s photo-identification and long-term association research program, is being used to assess levels of genetic variability, genetic consequences of reduced population size, and population structure in this endangered population. This will allow an evaluation of factors contributing to the lack of recovery of this population and will ultimately be applied to population conservation and management strategies.
Our work deals primarily with the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population. This is the southernmost population of this primarily arctic species and is believed to be geographically isolated from other populations. In the summer, the distribution of St. Lawrence beluga is centered around the Saguenay, but in the winter they are found from Tadoussac (at the mouth of the Saguenay) to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The St. Lawrence beluga is possibly best known for its high contamination load. Toxicological studies and necropsies of dead beached whales have revealed high levels of mercury, lead, PCB’s, DDT, Mirex, and benzo[a]pyrene metabolites, as well as large numbers of tumors, non-neoplastic lesions, and neoplasms.
We have been working in collaboration with the Group de Recherche et d’Éducation sur les Mammifères Marins (GREMM) since 1994, collecting skin biopsies from known individuals for genetic analyses. Individual-specific DNA profiles are being developed using a combination of molecular gender determination and genotypes from the mitochondrial control region, microsatellite loci, and Major Histocompatibility Complex loci. The genetic data, in conjunction with the GREMM’s photo-identification and long-term association research program, is being used to assess levels of genetic variability, genetic consequences of reduced population size, and population structure in this endangered population. This will allow an evaluation of factors contributing to the lack of recovery of this population and will ultimately be applied to population conservation and management strategies.
Franciscana Dolphin
The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is an endemic species of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting
coastal waters of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Although considered by many to be a member of the river dolphins, franciscanas are found mainly in coastal marine waters with occasional occurrences in estuaries. Its distribution, restricted to shallow waters (< 30m depth) makes it particularly vulnerable to many anthropogenic activities, including habitat degradation and interactions with fisheries. Continued incidental mortality in coastal gillnet fisheries is the greatest threat to the species’ survival throughout most of its range distribution. Mortality of franciscana in fishing operations has been observed for almost sixty years.
In collaboration with researchers from Brazil (GEMARS/CECLIMAR & MORG/FURG), the NRDPFC, has been carrying out molecular studies, using mitocondrial and nuclear markers, on franciscana dolphins incidentally caught along most of the species distribution. The principle aim of the project is to better understand the population structure of the species, including levels of subdivision and extent of gene flow among the populations. The delineation of these stock boundaries is urgently needed to define appropriate management units, which are critical for the establishment of effective conservation plans for the species.
coastal waters of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Although considered by many to be a member of the river dolphins, franciscanas are found mainly in coastal marine waters with occasional occurrences in estuaries. Its distribution, restricted to shallow waters (< 30m depth) makes it particularly vulnerable to many anthropogenic activities, including habitat degradation and interactions with fisheries. Continued incidental mortality in coastal gillnet fisheries is the greatest threat to the species’ survival throughout most of its range distribution. Mortality of franciscana in fishing operations has been observed for almost sixty years.
In collaboration with researchers from Brazil (GEMARS/CECLIMAR & MORG/FURG), the NRDPFC, has been carrying out molecular studies, using mitocondrial and nuclear markers, on franciscana dolphins incidentally caught along most of the species distribution. The principle aim of the project is to better understand the population structure of the species, including levels of subdivision and extent of gene flow among the populations. The delineation of these stock boundaries is urgently needed to define appropriate management units, which are critical for the establishment of effective conservation plans for the species.
North Atlantic Right Whale
Trent University’s North Atlantic Right Whale DNA Database contains genetic information on every North Atlantic right whale sampled since the late 1980s. A total of 1123 samples have been logged belonging to 503 individuals, including an “ancient” individual that lived during the 16th century. Samples are sent to Trent University where mitochondrial haplotypes, microsatellite profiles, and sex are determined. The goal of the DNA Bank is to provide genetic information to researchers and government agencies for research projects and to provide insights on which individuals are living, reproducing or deceased. The linked website below provides detailed information on the North Atlantic Right Whale, the DNA Bank and Database, past and present research projects and researchers. Additionally, information on deceased individuals, paternity results, and pedigrees for several individuals can be viewed under the “DNA Results” tab. Publications and collaborators can be found by clicking the appropriate tabs, the DNA database can be accessed, with assigned log in information, and a direct link to D.I.G.I.T.S is also available.
South Atlantic Right Whale
The southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) were intensely exploited in the Southern Hemisphere between the 18th and 20th centuries. Although the species has been protected internationally from commercial whaling since 1935, some populations were further depleted by illegal catches until the early 1970’s. Current estimates suggest that there are approximately 7,000 southern right whales, which is thought to represent a small fraction (about 5%) of its population size prior to commerical whaling. Although some populations have shown signs of recovery, the species is still vulnerable and cited under “Appendix I” of the International Trade of Endangered Species Fauna and Flora (CITES) and on the IUCN red list of endangered species at risk of extinction (IUCN 2000). Current genetic analyses, involving the use of mithocondrial and nuclear markers (e.g. microsatellites), has focused on the existent levels of genetic variability and extent of gene flow with other wintering grounds (e.g. Peninsula Valdes, Argentina). These genetic analyses, in conjunction with the undergoing photo-identification and behavioral studies attempts to achieve a better understanding of both the present-day and historical relationships among different stocks of right whales in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Contact Us
Trent University
Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre
2140 East Bank Drive
Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8
T: 705-748-1011 ext. 7080
E: info@nrdpfc.ca
Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre
2140 East Bank Drive
Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8
T: 705-748-1011 ext. 7080
E: info@nrdpfc.ca