Maternal hormones and contaminants in eggs: an endocrine disrupting mechanism? A study in an Arctic seabird
This is a follow up study of our previous studies on Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), endocrinology, reproduction and migration in this study system (kittiwakes, Kongsfjorden, Svalbard). The first objective is to conduct a pilot study on the occurrence of PFASs in kittiwake eggs and their consequences on endocrine disruption in Ovo. The second objective of the 2019 season is to study the consequences of reproductive investment and PFAS burden on subsequent migration (carry over effects).
Catching and handling (blood sampling and gls-logger deployment) is gentle and lasts a maximum of 10-15 mins. The gls-logger (2 gram) will be carried on a leg ring for one year. We regard distress to be low to moderate during catching and handling and low when carrying the logger.
It is important to study long-range transported pollutants and the potential effect on Arctic wildlife, especially the marine top-predators. A benefit to the society is that our study can provide important information to international processes and conventions, as some of the fluorinated substances are regulated by international conventions while others are not. The study is scientific novel and will provide new knowledge about i) occurrence of PFASs in kittiwake eggs and their consequences on endocrine disruption and ii) reproductive investment and PFAS burden on subsequent migration/carry over effects.
In this study we will sample and deploy 48 kittiwakes, which is a minimum number of animals to answer the research questions. We are studying how arctic seabirds are affected by persistent organic pollutants which are long-range transported to the Polar Regions. Therefore, laboratory studies or non-animal models cannot be used to answer the questions in this project. We have long experience in the field methods which we have practised and refined over 25 years. The miniatyrized gls-logger, easily carried on a leg ring, is also example of ‘refinement’.
Catching and handling (blood sampling and gls-logger deployment) is gentle and lasts a maximum of 10-15 mins. The gls-logger (2 gram) will be carried on a leg ring for one year. We regard distress to be low to moderate during catching and handling and low when carrying the logger.
It is important to study long-range transported pollutants and the potential effect on Arctic wildlife, especially the marine top-predators. A benefit to the society is that our study can provide important information to international processes and conventions, as some of the fluorinated substances are regulated by international conventions while others are not. The study is scientific novel and will provide new knowledge about i) occurrence of PFASs in kittiwake eggs and their consequences on endocrine disruption and ii) reproductive investment and PFAS burden on subsequent migration/carry over effects.
In this study we will sample and deploy 48 kittiwakes, which is a minimum number of animals to answer the research questions. We are studying how arctic seabirds are affected by persistent organic pollutants which are long-range transported to the Polar Regions. Therefore, laboratory studies or non-animal models cannot be used to answer the questions in this project. We have long experience in the field methods which we have practised and refined over 25 years. The miniatyrized gls-logger, easily carried on a leg ring, is also example of ‘refinement’.