| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
OTOBE Hirotaka The University of Tokyo, Ocean Research Institute, Lecturer, 海洋研究所, 講師 (10169328)
AMANO Masao The University of Tokyo, Ocean Research Institute, Research associate, 海洋研究所, 助手 (50270905)
ARAI Takaomi The University of Tokyo, Ocean Research Institute, Research associate, 海洋研究所, 助手 (70323631)
TANABE Shinsuke Ehime University, Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Professor, 沿岸環境科学研究センター, 教授 (60116952)
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| Research Abstract |
We investigate distribution, migration, growth, reproduction, feeding habit, population identification of dolphins and seals in the various areas of the world. And we also enforce monitoring study on marine pollution of organochlorine compounds (OCs), organotin cimpounds (BTs), heavy metals, and radionuclides, using samples of marine mammals. We published 93 scientific papers (88 in English and 4 in Japanese) with the peered referees, 23 articles (4 in English, 19 in Japanese) and one English proceedings. In the international and national academic conference, we made 77 presentations (38 in English and 39 in Japanese).
Accumulation study of hazardous chemicals such as OCs, BTs and heavy metals survey provided the interesting scientific evidence of Dall's porpoises. Since 1991 when the former USSR was collapsed, Caspian Sea faced severe environmental condition. Main reason of the mass die-off of several thousands Caspian seals occurred in 1997, 1998 and 2000, might be due to the lowered immune system of the species. We found the A-type influenza virus (A/Bangkok/1/79/HsN2) in the serum samples of Caspian seals. This influenza virus has been active in the Caspian seals for more than 20 years. In the near future, humans might be infected with this virus all over the world. Thus, we need to establish the well-organized research system for this matter.
We investigated evaluation of mitogen-induced responses in marine mammals and human lymphocytes by in-vitro exposure of BTs. Significant suppression was observed when the cells were exposed at normal level in the nature, suggesting BTs are strong toxic chemical. And we also found significant effect of plural hazardous chemicals. This study suggests that we need to establish the long-term monitoring system in marine ecosystem.
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