Project Information

Title: Harbor Seal Recovery: Application of New Technologies for Monitoring Health 030558

Project Year and Number: 2003: 030558

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2002: 02558, 2001: 01558

Principal Investigator (PI): Shannon Atkinson (Alaska SeaLife Center)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Gulf of Alaska

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Harbor Seals

Abstract: This study is a continuation of the study to assess the potential for new technologies to monitor the endocrine and immune systems for the health of harbor seals. During year one, baseline samples were collected from both permanently captive and rehabilitation seals at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Analysis of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and cortisol (metabolic and gluconeogenic hormones), and measurement of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and organochlorine contaminants are currently being assessed. Cell lines to quantify immunoglobulins have been initiated, and baseline hormones have been established. FY 03 will compare the profiles of free-ranging seals and those failing to thrive in their environment in an effort to restore this species.


Proposal: View (173 KB)

Reports:
Final Report: View (446 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available