Winter distribution of juvenile and sub-adult male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Detailed knowledge of habitat use by marine megafauna is critical to understand their ecological roles and for the adequate management of marine resources. Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) inhabiting the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean prey largely on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and play a central role in managing the krill fishery. Here, we assessed the demographic structure of three post-mating, early moult male haul-outs in the South Shetland Islands in early March and calculated the relative contribution of juveniles (1-4 years old) and sub-adult males (5-6 years) to the population remaining in maritime Antarctica after the breeding season.

Disease risk analysis in sea turtles: A baseline study to inform conservation efforts.

The impact of a range of different threats has resulted in the listing of six out of seven sea turtle species on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Disease risk analysis (DRA) tools are designed to provide objective, repeatable and documented assessment of the disease risks for a population and measures to reduce these risks through management options. To the best of our knowledge, DRAs have not previously been published for sea turtles, although disease is reported to contribute to sea turtle population decline.

No evidence of microplastics in Antarctic fur seal scats from a hotspot of human activity in Western Antarctica.

Microplastics are present in almost all seas and oceans, including the Southern Ocean. To the south of the Antarctic Polar Front, microplastics are present mainly west to the Antarctic Peninsula, but information is scarce about their impact on the pelagic food web. Here, we analysed 42 scats of male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) collected in late summer at Deception Island (South Shetland Islands), which allowed us to assess the presence of microplastics in the pelagic food web of the Bransfield Strait (Western Antarctica).

On-board study of gas embolism in marine turtles caught in bottom trawl fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean.

Decompression sickness (DCS) was first diagnosed in marine turtles in 2014. After capture in net fisheries, animals typically start showing clinical evidence of DCS hours after being hauled on-board, often dying if untreated. These turtles are normally immediately released without any understanding of subsequent clinical problems or outcome.

Robotic Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Hiatal Hernia: Initial Experience and Outcome.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, associated with sliding or large paraesophageal hiatal hernia, represents a common clinical presentation. The repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias is still a challenge in minimally invasive surgery. Between March 2014 and August 2016, 50 patients (18 males and 32 females) underwent robotic fundoplication (17 sliding and 33 paraesophageal hernias).