Organochlorines and marine mammal reproduction

摘要: Reproductive failures in four populations of marine mammals (Californian sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Bothnian Bay ringed seals (Pusa hispida), Dutch Waddensee harbour (Phoca vitulina), and most recently, Gulf St. Lawrence beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)) have been attributed to the effects contamination by organochlorine (OC) residues. In this article, I review evidence for these effects. conclude that since (a) crucial biological information light which OC residue data can be interpreted is often missing, (b) nature supposed reproductive effect variable, (c) residues are vary qualitatively quantitatively, correlations between observed concentrations apparent changes do not provide any firm a cause – relationship. single experimental study, diet with higher content than used as control impaired reproduction seals; however, dieta...