Select Elements and Potential Adverse Effects in Cetaceans and Pinnipeds

Abstract

This chapter intends to represent a global, or multiocean, perspective and thus addresses elements of general concern. This does not diminish the need to better understand and manage locally relevant impacts of point source metal contamination on particular populations of marine mammals. The chapter mostly references peer-reviewed published research and for the most part omits many agency or organizational reports, so-called gray literature. Because of our focus on globally germane metals in the published literature, information about emerging metals or metals not typically evaluated. The chapter focuses on pinnipeds and cetaceans; and does not include assessments of polar bears, sea otters, or sirenians because of page limitations. Resources and expertise need to be focused on critical answerable questions to improve understanding and management of cetaceans and pinnipeds, especially with respect to the role of elements in health and disease. Body size varies tremendously among cetaceans along with many other features of behavior, physiology, anatomy, and life history.