Effects of contaminants on reproduction, Phase II

Project ID:
PP/2010/05
Activity start date:
Activity end date:
Contract number:
SSFA/ASCOBANS/2010/5
Contract signed date:
Closed on date:
Conservation

The research undertaken by this study has important implications for conservation of both these species in the ASCOBANS area. This project will contribute to:

- ASCOBANS Conservation and Management Plan
2. Surveys and Research
3. Use of by-catches and strandings

- ASCOBANS Triennium Work Plan 2010-2012
2. Continue to review […] new information on pollution and its effects on small cetaceans which occur in the ASCOBANS area and, on the basis of this review, provide recommendations to Parties and other relevant authorities
4. Review new information on cetacean population size, distribution, structure, and causes of mortality in the ASCOBANS area and based on implications for conservation to make
appropriate recommendations to Parties and other relevant authorities

- ASCOBANS Conservation Plan for Harbour Porpoises in the North Sea
Action 10. Investigation of the health […] of harbour porpoises in the region. To collect fundamental information the question of human activities (other than bycatch) including contaminants […] for input into population dynamics modelling

Objective
Information on the effects of contaminants on reproduction in small cetaceans - Implications for conservation of both these species in the ASCOBANS area: If the results identify that contaminants have an adverse effect on individual reproductive capabilities, both species would be more vulnerable to exploitation, especially from other anthropogenic activities such as incidental capture, and would not necessarily recover from exploitation in a predictable way.
Production of a scientific paper for peer review on “Assessing the direct and indirect effects of contaminants on female reproductive activity in UK harbour porpoises”
Production of a scientific paper for peer review on “The prevalence of reproductive abnormalities in small cetaceans, and association with pollutants”
Production of the final report from Phase II
Budget line (BAC)
Fund:
QVL
Organizational unit:
2236
Programme:
2661
Object code:
520100
Activity

Analysis of histological slides processed during Phase I of suspected abnormalities in D. delphis ovaries (1 week)

Detailed analysis of all additional available P. phocoena ovarian material (n ~ 50) with corresponding contaminant data. Laboratory analysis includes gross examination of gonads, sectioning of ovaries, counting all corpora scars, and where required histol

Assessment of reproductive abnormalities in all P. Phocoena ovaries. Laboratory work will include gross and histopathological analysis of ovarian material (4 weeks)

Where data gaps exist, analysis of teeth samples from P. Phocoena for age determination (2.5 days)

Statistical analysis will be undertaken incorporating age, reproductive, contaminant, nutritional and health status data. This is order to assess the indirect effects of contaminants on reproductive activity in female P. phocoena. Further additional analy

Schedule of payments
Amount:
10193.25
Date:
Comments:

1st Instalment (75%)

Amount:
3397.75
Date:
Comments:

2nd Instalment (25%)

Country:
United Kingdom
Group:
Instrument:
Threats: Pollution, Industry and production