Marine Mammal Health Scientific Research

Harmful algal blooms can lead to brain damage and epilepsy. This case report describes the first interneuron transplant in a California sea lion. 

These preliminary results suggest the sea lion's quality of life has improved, and this therapy holds tremendous potential for benefit. 

Changes in our environment and human impacts are resulting in harmful algal blooms increasing in size and frequency. This study reviewed medical records for 171 non-releasable California sea lions, and found that neurologic disease is common, particularly in neonates. 

More research is needed to understand the role exposure to biotoxins early in life may play throughout the life of an animal. 

Fungal infections of the cornea can rapidly progress to vision loss, and even loss of the eye. This case describes the first use of stem cells - which help the immune system repair the cornea - to treat a dolphin's eye. 

Marine mammals are often seen as sentinels of ocean health, but accessible, cohesive data on their health changes are rare. A real-time system for reporting marine mammal disease data is needed to be able to understand how marine mammal diseases are changing with ecosystem changes. 

Eye ulcers are common in sea lions, whose large, protruding eyes are uniquely tailored to live both in water and on land. Oral antibiotics and topical eye drops can be difficult to administer, and new therapies were desired. This study showed that a new treatment, using an antibiotic gel injected near the eye, is a safe and effective alternative treatment for superficial ulcers in pinnipeds. 

Dolphins have highly specialized bodies, and they can metabolize drugs in surprising ways. This study looked at the way the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) meloxicam moves through the body. After an oral dose, the drug reached a peak similar to what is therapeutic in other species. However, the drug's half-life was much longer than is seen in other species, and the drug was detectable for up to 7 days. 

Cetacean morbilliviruses, closely related to measles in humans and canine distemper virus in dogs, have been documented to cause large epidemics in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea but not in the North Pacific Ocean, and the reasons for this are unknown. A review of 212 strandings from 2000-2015 found a morbillivirus most closely related to two strains found in cetaceans in Hawaii. This study suggests that morbillivirus may be a rare contributor to mortality in cetaceans stranding along the California coast.

Marine mammal health is significantly affected by the effects of oil spills. This Technical Memorandum from NOAA Fisheries helps officials conduct Natural Resources Damage Assessments so that the health of populations and ecosystems can be restored following a catastrophic event like a spill. 

In a survey of northern elephant seal pups, findings of a new necrotizing myopathy were observed. White streaks were found in the muscles of the abdominal wall. A cause of the muscle disease has not yet been identified. 

From October 2011 to December 2014, 11 swimmers reported bites by a sea lion or harbor seal. All bites involved the lower extremities. Because of the risk of Mycoplasma infection, treatment with a tetracycline is recommended in pinniped bites with signs of infection or serious trauma. 

From January 2003 to September 2015 a total of 11,162 marine mammals were admitted to a rehabilitation center. Of those, 6% had evidence of anthropogenic trauma. Tracking these trends is important to understand causes and inform mitigation efforts.