The use of nondestructive biomarker in Mediterranean Cetaceans: Preliminary data on MFO activity in skin biopsy

Cetaceans have been subjected to heavy anthropogenic pressure in the last century. In addition to hunting there is now the subtle threat of pollution which may be responsible for metabolic impairment and involved in stranding episodes and population decline. The need to study pollutants and their effect on cetacean populations is often in contrast with the need to protect these animals. In this paper a new method of collecting skin and hypodermic biopsies in the Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in order to analyse Mixed Function Oxidase (MFO) activity and organochlorine contents, is described. The results show marked differences between the two species. MFO activity in skin and organochlorines in blubber are higher in Striped dolphin than the Fin whale. The new method enables the main effects of exposure to lipophilic contaminants to be assessed in a nondestructive way in biomarker studies.