ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY
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Editor Paolo Polidori Università degli Studi di Camerino
Scientific Board Federica Cheli Università degli Studi di Milano
Biagina Chiofalo Università degli Studi di Messina
Nicola Lacetera Università degli Studi della Tuscia
Massimo Trabalza Marinucci Università degli Studi di Perugia
Vincenzo Veneziano Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”
ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY
The purpose is to welcome research topics in nutrition and animal husbandry, in specific and general zootechnics, in inspection of food of animal origin and in medical clinic and veterinary parasitology with important aspects of technical, scientific and practical nature.
A regard and a dedication to Professor Massimo Trentini (1950–2011). He was the fertile soil where the idea of creating a research and teaching group on large marine vertebrates germinated and grew. Thank you.
Where to go and what to eat? edited by
Dino Scaravelli Annalisa Zaccaroni
Alvaro Abella, Pier Attilio Accorsi, Romano Baino Marco Ballardini, Monica Barone Cristiano Bombardi, Piera Carpi, Eliabetta Cancellieri Bruno Cozzi, Giovanni Di Guardo, Fulvio Garibaldi Maristella Giurisato, Annamaria grandis, Gianni Insacco Paolo Luschi, Cecilia Mancusi, Sandro Mazzariol Resi Mencacci, Paola Meschin, Primo Micarelli Walter Mignone, Giuseppe Montanari, Alice Nenzi Carlos Mario Orrego Vásquez, Michela Podestà, Darja Ribariˇc Attilio Rinaldi, Marcela Rodriguez, Dino Scaravelli Filippo Scarpa, Fabrizio Serena, Riccardo Sirna Rubina Sirri, Emilio Sperone, James R. Spotila Cristiana Tittarelli, Raffaella Tizzi, Roldan Valverde Annalisa Zaccaroni, Marco Zanatta.
Copyright © MMXII ARACNE editrice S.r.l. www.aracneeditrice.it
[email protected] via Raffaele Garofalo, 133/A–B 00173 Roma (06) 93781065
isbn 978-88-548-4968-6
No part of this book may be reproduced by print, photoprint, microfilm, microfiche, or any other means, without publisher’s authorization. I edition: July 2012
Apri la mente a quel ch'io ti paleso e fermalvi entro; ché non fa scienza senza lo ritener, aver inteso. Dante Alighieri, Paradiso
Index
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Presentation
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Introduction PART I ORAL PRESENTATIONS
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Chapter I The stock assessment as a tool for the management of large pelagic vertebrates 1.1. Abstract, 27 – 1.2. Brief introduction on stock assessment, 28 – 1.3. Main models, 29 – 1.4. Final remarks, 31 – 1.5. References, 32 33
Chapter II Consequences in the food web and marine ecosystem due to the loss of top predators like sharks 2.1. Abstract, 33 – 2.2. Introduction, 34 – 2.3. Feeding habits, 34 – 2.4. Ecology and role in food webs, 37 – 2.5. Topdown (cascading) effect, 38 – 2.6. Risk effect, 41 – 2.5. Conclusions, 43 – 3.5. References, 44
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Chapter III Great White Shark movements to feeding grounds in South Africa 3.1. Abstract, 51 – 3.2. Introduction, 52 – 3.3. Materials and methods, 54 – 3.4. Results, 58 – 3.5. Conclusions, 63 – 3.6. References, 64 67
Chapter IV Risk assessment in sea turtles and dolphins from Adriatic
sea 4.1. Abstract, 67 – 4.2. Introduction, 68 – 4.3. Materials and methods, 69 – 4.4. Results, 71 – 4.5. Conclusions, 73 – 4.6. References, 74 79
Chapter V Cetaceans in Trieste Gulf, from active to passive moni-
toring 5.1. Abstract, 79 – 5.2. Introduction, 80 – 5.3. Methods, 80 – 5.4. Discussion, 85 – 5.5. References, 86 89
Chapter VI Gastric findings and marine debris: the case of Apulian sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) 6.1. Abstract, 89 – 6.2. Introduction, 90 – 6.3. Materials and methods, 92 – 6.4. Results and discussion, 93 – 6.5. Conclusions, 95 – 6.6. References, 95
PART II POSTER PRESENTATION 103
Chapter VII New observations on Striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833) diet at North Western Tyrrenian Sea 7.1. Abstract, 103 – 7.2. Introduction, 104 – 7.3. Materials and methods, 104 – 7.4. Results, 105 – 7.5. Conclusions, 110 – 7.5. References, 110 113
Chapter VIII Where to go and what to eat… when you are just born. Feeding behavior of four bottlenose dolphins newborns in “Rimini Delfinario” 8.1. Abstract, 113 – 8.2. Introduction, 114 – 8.3. Materials and methods, 114 – 8.4. Results, discussion and conclusions, 116 – 8.5. Acknowledgements, 120 – 8.5. References, 121 123
Chapter IX Immunohistochemical localization of substance P and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the spinal ganglia of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 9.1. Abstract, 123 – 9.2. Introduction, 124 – 9.3. Materials and methods, 125 – 9.4. Results, 127 – 9.5. Discussions, 129– 9.5. References, 130
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Chapter X Threats to solitary nesting of olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), in an “El niňo” year at Ostional, Costa Rica 10.1. Abstract, 133 – 10.2. Introduction, 134 – 10.3. Materials and methods, 135 – 10.4. Results, 136 – 10.5. Discussion, 139– 10.5. References, 140 145
Chapter XI Prolonged stays in coastal areas of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Tuscany seas 11.1. Abstract, 145 – 11.2. Introduction, 146 – 11.3. Materials and methods, 147 – 11.4. Results, 148 – 11.5. Discussion, 153– 11.6. Acknowledgements, 154– 11.5. References, 155 157
Chapter XII Age determination in a basking shark Cetorhinus maximus (Gunnerus, 1765) by radiographic and histological approach 12.1. Abstract, 157 – 12.2. Introduction, 158 – 12.3. Materials and methods, 159 – 12.4. Results, 160 – 12.5. Conclusions, 162– 12.5. References, 163
PART III ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS 167
Chapter XIII Food, parasite and ectobionts as migration witness in sea turtles
Presentation
ABOUT THE RESEARCH GROUP ON LARGE PELAGIC VERTEBRATES - GVP Annalisa Zaccaroni e Dino Scaravelli Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Veterinary Faculty, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico (FC) email:
[email protected];
[email protected]. A small research unit was constituted in Cesenatico Aquaculture & Fish Products hygiene Dregree of the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Bologna in order to create a local effort for increase knowledge, student formation and public awareness on the large pelagic animals.The group focused on Cetaceans, Sea turtles, sharks, skates and greater bony fishes. Whay this heterogenic group? They represent the top of food chains and so they are perfect bioindicators of the marine ecosystem. Also theyr role as flagship species reserve a special importance in communication and management decisions. Analysis of mammals stranding become the first interest of the group and the monitoring of bio-ecological parameters, pathology and contaminations in stranded cetaceans in northern Adriatic was the first output. The most studied among turtle is Caretta caretta: specimens were collected and analyzed from coastal zone. Morphometrics, anatomy, pathology, ectobionts, parasite, food ecology, heavy metal and contaminants presence are the main investigation actually pursued as well as the tracking and movements. The cooperations with other research units also are actually opening to other species and territories. 15
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Here a first list of ongoing cooperations: CIBNOR Mexico (Dr Tania Zenteno) www.cibnor.mx/equipos/eox/eeox.html European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) www.eaam.org European Cetacean Society (ECS) www.europeancetaceansociety.eu European Elasmobranch Association - www.eulasmo.org/ Facultad de Veterinaria de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Prof. Octavio Perez Luzardo) - www.fv.ulpgc.es ICOMVIS Costa Rica - www.icomvis.una.ac.cr/ Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien IPHC, Physiologie et Biologie des Organismes, Populations, Interactions, Strasbourg (Prof. Jean-Yves Georges) - iphc.in2p3.fr/Ecophysiologie-.html International Association Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM) www.iaaam.org Shark Trust - www.sharktrust.org Tartanet - www.tartanet.it/ Acquario di Cattolica - http://www.acquariodicattolica.it/ Centro Regionale Recupero Fauna Selvatica e Tartarughe Marine di Comiso www.comune.comiso.rg.it/attivita/crrfs.php Delfinario di Rimini - www.delfinariorimini.it Marineland, Antibes, France - www.marineland.fr/ Parco Oltremare di Riccione - www.oltremare.org To Contact us General info: Coordinator
[email protected] [email protected]
Gruppo di ricerca sui Grandi Vertebrati Pelagici c/o Corso di Laurea Acquacoltura e Igiene delle Produzioni Ittiche, Università di Bologna Viale Vespucci 2, 47422 Cesenatico (FC) 0547338944 – fax 0547338941
Introduction Annalisa Zaccaroni Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesenatico (FC), Italy
This book presents selected presentations of a workshop held in Cesenatico (Italy) on May 2010 concerning various aspects of migration and feeding ecology of large pelagic vertebrates. Is covers a wide range of large marine species and presents different aspects of management and monitoring of the species and on the threats they can encounter during their lifes. Some chapters deal with monitoring strategies for cetaceans and large pelagic vertebrates, some other with behavior and feeding strategies. Furthermore, histology, age determination and threats to species are also considered. Chapter 1: Elasmobranch differ from teleost species for a set of important features: they cannot be aged easily, they produce relatively few young turning stock and recruitment closely related, and besides that most of the catch is taken by fishers targeting teleosts, which results in most of the catch being reported as unidentified shark or mixed fish or not reported at all. Due to all these peculiarities, traditional population dynamic models had to be reviewed and treated ad hoc. The main models used to assess elasmobranch populations are Surplus Production Models (SPM) and Delay Difference Models: the required input data for these models are limited to a time series of total catches and fishing effort over a time period, allowing the inclusion of biological information of the species to be taken into account in some analyses. Nevertheless, when little or no fishery information are available for a population, Demographic Models are 17
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useful tools to obtain a static picture of the population in exam, i.e. good information on the intrinsic rate of increase of a population or the fishing mortality rate at which the population will start to decline. Chapter 2: Sharks and rays occupy high trophic levels in marine habitats; recent estimates suggest that populations have declined directly and/or indirectly due to diverse reasons. These species are carnivorous with an opportunistic behaviour; they may be also scavengers and filter feeders. These predators positioned in upper levels of the trophic web have a basic influence on the structure and function of marine communities in general. Therefore, widespread declines of large predators across the world’s oceans are expected to strongly influence the smallerbodied mesoconsumers and the species that are eaten by mesoconsumers. In this paper two specific effects are considered: top down (cascading) and risk effect. In particular, for countries that are adopting ecosystem approaches to marine resource management, the study on marine top-down controls is important regarding to forecasting capacity for anticipating these effects. Chapter 3: The Great white shark is a top predator. It is a cosmopolitan species and globally distributed in sub-tropical and temperate waters. It is present in both inshore and offshore waters and the known bathymetric range is from just below the surface to just above the bottom down to a depth of at least 1300 m. Actually 8 geographic-areas present an abundant frequency of this species, they are named hot spot and they are: California, Central Chile, New England, Mediterranean Sea, Western South Africa, South Australia, New Zealand and Japan (Martin 2003). In this short review are considered the available information concerning some aspect of its still unknown biology concerning it’s predatory activity like: predatory and social behaviour. The Great White Shark was usually seen as a solitary animal that rarely shows intraspecific social interactions. By the way, in the last twenty years, observations in field demonstrated that it’s generally a pacific animal as for conspecifics, with a really complex social behaviour. Population dy-
Introduction
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namic. Recent data show that this animal is able to migrate from a continent to another. Are also shown the different tools used in the field research. Chapter 4: Studies concerning feeding habits of great pelagic vertebrates can be used to monitor exposure to contaminants which can alter health status of these species. Among the other contaminants, heavy metals represent a notable risk for marine organisms, as they are persistent in the environment, can accumulate in sediments in organisms themselves and, in some cases, can biomagnify along food chains. The risk assessment evaluation concerning heavy metal exposure in bottlenose and loggerhead from Northern Adriatic Sea underlined how lead and mercury are to be considered as low and not dangerous for bottlenose and loggerhead health. On the contrary, Cd and As have to be taken into consideration as potential danger for marine life due to their sub-chronic effects. Cephalopods proved to be most important source of cadmium. As arsenic is of concern, total arsenic exposure have to be considered as high. Anyway, it is highly probable a great percentage of As is in the organic, non toxic form, and that some adaptation process could occur in marine species, reducing overall toxic effect of the metalloid and allowing marine organism to cope with higher levels of As, as those present in natural preys. Chapter 5: Sea is a real complex environment and taking notes on the distribution and abundance of a crucial component in the marine ecosystem as Cetaceans is very valuable. For this reason a multiannual study was conducted on coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in waters of the Slovenian part of Gulf of Trieste as well as contiguous waters. Here the results of active monitoring of cetaceans, performed from 2001, and a plan for a PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitoring) project in this northern most part of the Adriatic Sea are reported. The 20 m isobath was used to divide the gulf into "inner" and "outer" parts. Dolphin sightings were for the 79% of times in the inner part, and also in the “outer” part the 69% of the locations were at depth of less than 20 m. The majority of sightings are in the summer and June seems to be the most frequented month. The
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most abundant behavioral categories recorded were “travelling” and “foraging”. The average group size recorded is 8,4 (SD 9,6) animals. The starting PAM project want to collect a more comprehensive data on different and elusive species as well as develop a system collecting information independently from access to sea. PAM would also uncover the burden of underwater acoustic pollution in the Trieste Gulf and would show its possible influence of the dolphins' distribution. Chapter 6: Ingestion of degraded plastic pellets and is often cited as cause of marine mammal mortality: pinnipeds typically succumb to strangulation, sepsis or starvation following neck entanglement, whereas cetaceans are more prone to injuries to caudal peduncles, pectoral flippers and mouths. Present work reports about gastric findings derived from necropsies on 7 stranded sperm whales from Apulian coasts. Body condition did not showed evidence of emaciation even if animals could not be considered in a good nutritional condition. During sampling, gastric content revealed small amounts of plastic debris, fishnets, hooks and ropes. Other relevant findings observed in the alimentary tract of the three examined animals were a mild erosive gastritis with edematous mucosa of the second stomach, associated to the parasitic infestation. The intestine was totally empty and in the proximal tracts abundant catharral exudation was seen in the lumen with a biliary discoloration and occasional erosive mucosal findings, also in the pyloric stomach. On the basis of the described findings and of other geographical, biological, ecological, pathological and toxicological data, even if many others are still missing, the stranding of the seven sperm whales was likely determined by a multiple factors acting together: human activities, when not completely rule out as done in the case of marine debris found in the stomachs, possibly had a secondary role as one of the predisposing factors. Chapter 7: 23 stomach contents from stranded stripped dolphin have been examinated. Animals came from Imperia province and stranded in last 12 years. Their length ranged between 84.5 and 208 cm, 12 were females and 11 were males. Only 1 stomach out of 22 was empty, while in one newborne subject
