SARS-CoV2, a threat to marine mammals? A study from Italian seawaters

AbstractZoonotically transmitted coronaviruses were responsible for three disease outbreaks since 2002, with the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2” (SARS-CoV-2) causing the dramatic “Coronavirus Disease-2019” (CoViD-19) pandemic, which affected public health, economy, and society on a global scale. The impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic permeate into our environment and wildlife as well; in particular, concern has been raised about the viral occurrence and persistence in aquatic and marine ecosystems. The discharge of untreated wastewaters carrying infectious SARS-CoV-2 into natural water systems that are home of sea mammals may have dramatic consequences on vulnerable species.The efficient transmission of coronaviruses raise questions regarding the contributions of virus-receptors interactions. The main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2), serving as a functional receptor for the viral spike (S) protein. This study was aimed, through the comparative analysis of the ACE-2 receptor with the human one, at assessing the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 of the different species of marine mammals living in Italian waters. We also determined, by means of immunohistochemistry, ACE-2 receptor localization in the lung tissue from different cetacean species, in order to provide a preliminary characterization of ACE-.2 expression in the marine mammals’ respiratory tract.Furthermore, in order to evaluate if and how wastewater management in Italy may lead to susceptible marine mammal populations being exposed to the virus, geo-mapping data of wastewater plants, associated to the identification of specific stretches of coast more exposed to extreme weather events, overlapped to marine mammal population data, were carried out. Results showed the SARS-CoV-2 exposure for marine mammals inhabiting Italian coastal waters. Thus, we highlight the potential hazard of reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with its impact on marine mammals regularly inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, whilst also stressing the need of appropriate action to prevent further damage to specific vulnerable populations.Significance StatementGrowing concern exists that SARS-CoV-2, as already ascertained for its SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV “predecessors”, originated from an animal “reservoir”, performing thereafter its spillover into mankind, that was possibly anticipated by viral “passage” into a secondary animal host. Within the dramatic SARS-CoV-2 pandemic context, hitherto characterized by over 110 million cases and almost 2,500,000 deaths on a global scale, several domestic and wild animal species have been reported as susceptible to natural and/or experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this respect, while some marine mammal species are deemed as potentially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection on the basis of the sequence homology of their ACE-2 viral receptor with the human one, this study addresses such a critical issue also in stranded sea mammal specimens.

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SARS-CoV2, A Threat to Marine Mammals? A Study From Italian Seawaters

10.21203/rs.3.rs-378165/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tania Audino ◽

Carla Grattarola ◽

Cinzia Centelleghe° ◽

Simone Peletto ◽

Federica Giorda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

Population Data ◽

Global Scale ◽

Extreme Weather Events ◽

Health Economy ◽

Wastewater Management ◽

Potential Hazard ◽

Cetacean Species

Abstract Zoonotically transmitted coronaviruses were responsible for three disease outbreaks since 2002, with the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2” (SARS-CoV-2) causing the dramatic “Coronavirus Disease-2019” (CoViD-19) pandemic, which affected public health, economy, and society on a global scale. The impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic permeate into our environment and wildlife as well; in particular, concern has been raised about the viral occurrence and persistence in aquatic and marine ecosystems. The discharge of untreated wastewaters carrying infectious SARS-CoV-2 into natural water systems that are home of sea mammals may have dramatic consequences on vulnerable species. The efficient transmission of coronaviruses raises questions regarding the contributions of virus-receptors interactions. The main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2), serving as a functional receptor for the viral spike (S) protein. This study was aimed, through the comparative analysis of the ACE-2 receptor with the human one, at assessing the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 of the different species of marine mammals living in Italian waters. We also determined, by means of immunohistochemistry, ACE-2 receptor localization in the lung tissue from different cetacean species, in order to provide a preliminary characterization of ACE-.2 expression in the marine mammals’ respiratory tract. Furthermore, in order to evaluate if and how wastewater management in Italy may lead to susceptible marine mammal populations being exposed to the virus, geo-mapping data of wastewater plants, associated to the identification of specific stretches of coast more exposed to extreme weather events, overlapped to marine mammal population data, were carried out. Results showed the SARS-CoV-2 exposure for marine mammals inhabiting Italian coastal waters. Thus, we highlight the potential hazard of reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with its impact on marine mammals regularly inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, whilst also stressing the need of appropriate action to prevent further damage to specific vulnerable populations.

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SARS-CoV-2, a Threat to Marine Mammals? A Study from Italian Seawaters

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061663 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1663

Author(s):

Tania Audino ◽

Carla Grattarola ◽

Cinzia Centelleghe ◽

Simone Peletto ◽

Federica Giorda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Global Scale ◽

Extreme Weather Events ◽

Wastewater Management ◽

Potential Hazard ◽

Cetacean Species ◽

Receptor Localization ◽

Sea Mammals ◽

The Impact

Zoonotically transmitted coronaviruses were responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the dramatic Coronavirus Disease-2019 (CoViD-19) pandemic, which affected public health, the economy, and society on a global scale. The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic permeated into our environment and wildlife as well; in particular, concern has been raised about the viral occurrence and persistence in aquatic and marine ecosystems. The discharge of untreated wastewaters carrying infectious SARS-CoV-2 into natural water systems that are home to sea mammals may have dramatic consequences on vulnerable species. The efficient transmission of coronaviruses raises questions regarding the contributions of virus-receptor interactions. The main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2), serving as a functional receptor for the viral spike (S) protein. This study aimed, through the comparative analysis of the ACE-2 receptor with the human one, at assessing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 for different species of marine mammals living in Italian waters. We also determined, by means of immunohistochemistry, ACE-2 receptor localization in the lung tissue from different cetacean species, in order to provide a preliminary characterization of ACE-2 expression in the marine mammal respiratory tracts. Furthermore, to evaluate if and how Italian wastewater management and coastal exposition to extreme weather events may led to susceptible marine mammal populations being exposed to SARS-CoV-2, geomapping data were carried out and overlapped. The results showed the potential SARS-CoV-2 exposure for marine mammals inhabiting Italian coastal waters, putting them at risk when swimming and feeding in specific risk areas. Thus, we highlighted the potential hazard of the reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with its impact on marine mammals regularly inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, while also stressing the need for appropriate action in order to prevent further damage to specific vulnerable populations.

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Pandemic danger to the deep: the risk of marine mammals contracting SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater

10.1101/2020.08.13.249904 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sabateeshan Mathavarajah ◽

Amina K. Stoddart ◽

Graham A. Gagnon ◽

Graham Dellaire

Keyword(s):

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Natural Water ◽

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Global Scale ◽

Water Systems ◽

Additional Treatment ◽

Wastewater Management ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Untreated Wastewater

AbstractWe are in unprecedented times with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has impacted public health, the economy and our society on a global scale. In addition, the impacts of COVID-19 permeate into our environment and wildlife as well. Here, we discuss the essential role of wastewater treatment and management during these times. A consequence of poor wastewater management is the discharge of untreated wastewater carrying infectious SARS-CoV-2 into natural water systems that are home to marine mammals. Here, we predict the susceptibility of marine mammal species using a modelling approach. We identified that many species of whale, dolphin and seal, as well as otters, are predicted to be highly susceptible to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, geo-mapping highlights how current wastewater management in Alaska may lead to susceptible marine mammal populations being exposed to the virus. Localities such as Cold Bay, Naknek, Dillingham and Palmer may require additional treatment of their wastewater to prevent virus spillover through sewage. Since over half of these susceptibility species are already at risk worldwide, the release of the virus via untreated wastewater could have devastating consequences for their already declining populations. For these reasons, we discuss approaches that can be taken by the public, policymakers and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce the risk of virus spillover in our natural water systems. Thus, we indicate the potential for reverse zoonotic transmission of COVID-19 and its impact on marine wildlife; impacts that can be mitigated with appropriate action to prevent further damage to these vulnerable populations.

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Recommendations for Sustainable Cetacean-Based Tourism in French Territories: A Review on the Industry and Current Management Actions

Tourism in Marine Environments ◽

10.3727/154427320x15943351217984 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 211-235

Author(s):

Josephine Chazot ◽

Ludovic Hoarau ◽

Pamela Carzon ◽

Jeanne Wagner ◽

Stéphanie Sorby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

French Polynesia ◽

Legal Framework ◽

Whale Watching ◽

Cetacean Species ◽

Commercial Activities ◽

Management Actions ◽

Overseas Territories ◽

Socioeconomic Benefits

Whale-watching activities provide important socioeconomic benefits for local communities and constitute powerful platform incentives for marine mammals' protection or more broadly marine environments. However, these activities can cause adverse effects on targeted populations, with considerable downside associated risks of injuries and fatality for whale watchers during inwater interactions. France with its overseas territories has the second largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in which more than half of existing cetacean species are encountered. In these territories, recreational and commercial whale watching, including swim-with cetacean activities, have recently developed. Yet few studies focused on these activities and their associated impacts across French territories, leading to an unclear assessment of the situation. To address this issue, we reviewed cetaceans' occurrence within the French EEZ, whale-watching industry, targeted species, local management of marine mammal-based tourism activities, and regulations in France mainland and some overseas territories (Reunion Island, Mayotte, and French Polynesia). Fortyeight species are encountered in the French EEZ, and 15 are targeted by whale-watching activities. A total of 185 operators, including 34% offering swim-with-cetaceans tours, offered trips in France and overseas in 2019. While several more or less restrictive regulations exist locally, our results indicate that French's national legal framework for marine mammals' protection remains inadequate and insufficient to cope with the recent development of this activity. As conservation biologists, managers, and stakeholders from these French territories, we cooperated to provide general guidelines for a sustainable development of whale watching at a national scale. We urge (1) to legally acknowledge and regulate whale-watching commercial activities; (2) to create a national legal framework regarding whale watching and swim-with marine mammals practices, while accounting for local distinctiveness and disparities across regions; (3) to conduct more research to evaluate local short- and long-term impacts on targeted marine mammal populations as well as the socioeconomic benefits; and (4) to reinforce synergetic relations between the different stakeholders.

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Impacts of climate change on Australian marine mammals

Australian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1071/zo12131 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 146 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Nicole Schumann ◽

Nick J. Gales ◽

Robert G. Harcourt ◽

John P. Y. Arnould

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Cold Water ◽

Climatic Factors ◽

Extreme Weather Events ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Coastal Species ◽

Weather Events ◽

Distributional Shifts ◽

Water Species

Increasing evidence suggests that climate change is negatively affecting marine ecosystems and biota. However, little is known of how climate change will impact marine mammals. This review aims to identify the effects of climatic variations on Australian marine mammals and determine their potential responses to climate change. Shifts in distributions and reproductive success have been associated with climatic factors, while stranding events, drowning of seal pups, exposure to altered water conditions and disease in several marine mammal species have followed extreme weather events. Climate change may produce distributional shifts as the ranges of warm-water species expand or shift southwards, and those of cold-water species contract. Reductions in the extent of key habitats, changes in breeding success, a greater incidence of strandings in dugongs and cetaceans, and increased exposure of coastal species to pollutants and pathogens are likely. The capacity of Australian marine mammals to adapt to climate change is poorly understood, though there is evidence that several species may be able to modify their physiology or behaviour in response to warming temperatures. To increase the resilience of marine mammals, it is necessary to address non-climatic threats, such as ensuring that key habitats are protected in Australia.

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Feasibility of melting fingerprint obtained from ISSR-HRM curves for marine mammal species identification

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.11689 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e11689

Author(s):

Wannapimol Kriangwanich ◽

Kittisak Buddhachat ◽

Anocha Poommouang ◽

Siriwadee Chomdej ◽

Chatchote Thitaram ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Species Identification ◽

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Intraspecific Variability ◽

Issr Markers ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Hrm Analysis ◽

New Approaches ◽

High Degree

Currently, species identification of stranded marine mammals mostly relies on morphological features, which has inherent challenges. The use of genetic information for marine mammal species identification remains limited, therefore, new approaches that can contribute to a better monitoring of stranded species are needed. In that context, the ISSR-HRM method we have proposed offers a new approach for marine mammal species identification. Consequently, new approaches need to be developed to identify individuals at the species level. Eight primers of the ISSR markers were chosen for HRM analysis resulting in ranges of accuracy of 56.78–75.50% and 52.14–75.93% in terms of precision, while a degree of sensitivity of more than 80% was recorded when each single primer was used. The ISSR-HRM primer combinations revealed a success rate of 100% in terms of discrimination for all marine mammals included in this study. Furthermore, ISSR-HRM analysis was successfully employed in determining marine mammal discrimination among varying marine mammal species. Thus, ISSR-HRM analysis could serve as an effective alternative tool in the species identification process. This option would offer researchers a heightened level of convenience in terms of its performance and success rate. It would also offer field practice to veterinarians, biologists and other field-related people a greater degree of ease with which they could interpret results when effectively classifying stranded marine mammals. However, further studies with more samples and with a broader geographical scope will be required involving distinct populations to account for the high degree of intraspecific variability in cetaceans and to demonstrate the range of applications of this approach.

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A review of marine mammal records of Cuba

Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals ◽

10.5597/lajam00175 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 65-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amy Danae Whitt ◽

Thomas A. Jefferson ◽

Miriam Blanco ◽

Dagmar Fertl ◽

Deanna Rees

Keyword(s):

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Cetacean Species ◽

Baleen Whales ◽

Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽

Extant Species ◽

Pinniped Species ◽

The Common ◽

The Caribbean ◽

West Indian Manatee

There has been very little research on marine mammals in Cuban waters. Much of the information on marine mammals in this region is buried in historical and gray literature. In order to provide a comprehensive account of marine mammal occurrence in Cuba’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), we reviewed and verified 659 published and unpublished sighting, stranding, capture, and tagging records. Eighteen extant species and four genera have confirmed records for Cuban EEZ waters. This includes 17 species of cetaceans (three baleen whales and 14 toothed whales) and one sirenian species. An additional 11 cetacean species and one extant pinniped species have been reported, but not confirmed, or may have the potential to occur in Cuban waters. Historical records of the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) are documented in Cuba; however, this species is now considered extinct. The only two species that are seen regularly and considered common in Cuban nearshore waters are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus).

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The magnitude and sustainability of marine mammal by-catch in fisheries in East Malaysia

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s002531540800249x ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 89 (5) ◽

pp. 907-920 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Saifullah A. Jaaman ◽

Yuhana U. Lah-Anyi ◽

Graham J. Pierce

Keyword(s):

Marine Protected Areas ◽

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Educational Programme ◽

Cetacean Species ◽

Spotted Dolphin ◽

East Malaysia ◽

By Catch ◽

Catch Rates ◽

Sabah And Sarawak

The magnitude and sustainability of incidental catches of marine mammals in fisheries was investigated in Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia, using a combination of interview surveys and observer trips on fishing boats. These fisheries involve around 15,000 registered fishing boats and generate annual landings of around 350,000 tonnes. Between March 1997 and December 2004, we interviewed fishermen working on 753 and 358 boats in Sabah and Sarawak, respectively, who were employing trawl nets, purse seines, gillnets and fish stakes. They were asked questions about sightings of marine mammals and interactions with fishing. We also followed 36 trawl and 10 purse seine fishing trips in Sabah between June 2003 and December 2004. Fishing was conducted in coastal waters and total annual catches by each method and region were estimated. Incidental catches of marine mammals were reported by fishermen from 310 (41%) and 99 (28%) fishing boats in Sabah and Sarawak, respectively. Gill-netters, trawlers and fish stakes were reported to catch cetaceans and dugongs, while purse seiners caught only cetaceans. The Irrawaddy dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and finless porpoise are the cetacean species known to be taken. Overall, the magnitude of incidental catches of marine mammals is greatest in gillnets. No marine mammal catches were seen during observer trips. Interview results suggest annual by-catches of 306 (95% CI = 250–369) cetaceans and 479 (95% CI = 434–528) dugongs in Sabah. Estimates for Sarawak were 221 (95% CI = 189–258) cetaceans per year and 14 (95% CI = 2–30) dugongs. These results suggest that by-catch rates, particularly in gillnets, may be unsustainably high. A dedicated monitoring and educational programme, together with the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, is urgently needed to minimize the threat.

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Stability of Domoic Acid in 50% Methanol Extracts and Raw Fecal Material from Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus)

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19080423 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (8) ◽

pp. 423

Author(s):

Emily K. Bowers ◽

Raphaela Stimmelmayr ◽

Kathi A. Lefebvre

Keyword(s):

Marine Mammal ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Domoic Acid ◽

Harmful Algal Bloom ◽

Multiple Time ◽

Fecal Material ◽

Shellfish Poisoning ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Methanol Extracts

Domoic acid (DA), the toxin causing amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), is produced globally by some diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. DA has been detected in several marine mammal species in the Alaskan Arctic, raising health concerns for marine mammals and subsistence communities dependent upon them. Gastrointestinal matrices are routinely used to detect Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) toxin presence in marine mammals, yet DA stability has only been studied extensively in shellfish-related matrices. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified DA in bowhead whale fecal samples at multiple time points for two groups: (1) 50% methanol extracts from feces, and (2) raw feces stored in several conditions. DA concentrations decreased to 70 ± 7.1% of time zero (T0) in the 50% methanol extracts after 2 weeks, but remained steady until the final time point at 5 weeks (66 ± 5.7% T0). In contrast, DA concentrations were stable or increased in raw fecal material after 8 weeks of freezer storage (−20 °C), at room temperature (RT) in the dark, or refrigerated at 1 °C. DA concentrations in raw feces stored in an incubator (37 °C) or at RT in the light decreased to 77 ± 2.8% and 90 ± 15.0% T0 at 8 weeks, respectively. Evaporation during storage of raw fecal material is a likely cause of the increased DA concentrations observed over time with the highest increase to 126 ± 7.6% T0 after 3.2 years of frozen storage. These results provide valuable information for developing appropriate sample storage procedures for marine mammal fecal samples.

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Life Expectancy in Marine Mammals Is Unrelated to Telomere Length but Is Associated With Body Size

Frontiers in Genetics ◽

10.3389/fgene.2021.737860 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Kittisak Buddhachat ◽

Janine L. Brown ◽

Manthanee Kaewkool ◽

Anocha Poommouang ◽

Patcharaporn Kaewmong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Body Length ◽

Marine Mammals ◽

Phylogenetic Signal ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Cetacean Species ◽

Relative Telomere Length ◽

Adult Body ◽

Adult Body Weight

Marine mammals vary greatly in size and lifespan across species. This study determined whether measures of adult body weight, length and relative telomere length were related to lifespan. Skin tissue samples (n = 338) were obtained from 23 marine mammal species, including four Mysticeti, 19 Odontoceti and one dugong species, and the DNA extracted to measure relative telomere length using real-time PCR. Life span, adult body weight, and adult body length of each species were retrieved from existing databases. The phylogenetic signal analysis revealed that body length might be a significant factor for shaping evolutionary processes of cetacean species through time, especially for genus Balaenoptera that have an enormous size. Further, our study found correlations between lifespan and adult body weight (R2 = 0.6465, p < 0.001) and adult body length (R2 = 0.6142, p ≤0.001), but no correlations with relative telomere length (R2 = −0.0476, p = 0.9826). While data support our hypothesis that larger marine mammals live longer, relative telomere length is not a good predictor of species longevity.

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