SC/53/E15 1 A note concerning “novel pollutants ” and cetaceans.

• Main Authors: M. P. Simmonds, P. A. Johnston, G. M. Troisi, Dolphin Conservation Society, Er House, James St. West, Bath Ba Bt Uk
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: baleen whales
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.568.1420; http://www.greenpeace.to/publications/IWCSC53.pdf

In this paper we consider some “novel ” organic compounds (meaning those that are not routinely analysed for in cetaceans), provide a brief update on what is known about them and discuss their potential importance. Three classes of novel compounds appear to be of particular concern: the brominated flame retardants; the polyaromatic hydrocarbons and the organotins. However, there is also a range of other important environmental contaminants that have been little investigated in cetaceans. The relationship of these “novel pollutants ” compounds to ongoing pollution studies is considered and vigilance with respect to novel pollutants is recommended. Background In 1996, Colborn and Smolen highlighted the threat posed by rganochlorines to marine mammals. On the basis of an extensive review of the literature, they found evidence that some 16 species had experienced population instability, major stranding episodes, reproductive impairment, endocrine and immune system disturbances, organ damage, general health decline and serious infectious diseases since 1968. They also reported a “relative lack of information on contaminants in whales and in particular, baleen whales ” and that “attempts at determining contaminant concentrations in individual