ABSTRACT: This study was based on data from 62 specimens of Stenella coeruleoalba found stranded along the Italian coasts between 1988 and 1994. The age of each dolphin was determined by counting dentine growth layer groups in the teeth and a growth curve was plotted. Organochlorine contaminants (HCB, DDTs and PCBs) were analysed in the blubber, liver, brain and muscle of 25 of the dolphins. In all dolphins and all tissues analysed, HCB concentrations (ng g^-1 dry weight) were the lowest and the PCBs were the highest, except in 1 blubber sample in which total DDTs were higher than PCBs. Correlations were sought between levels of these contaminants and age, sex, cause of death, locality and year of stranding.

KEY WORDS: Stenella coeruleoalba · Dolphin · Organochlorines · Mediterranean Sea · Growth curve · Teeth · Sex

Published in MEPS Vol. 151 (1997) on May 22
ISSN: 0171-8630. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1997