Marine debris remains a global challenge, with significant impacts on wildlife. Despite this, there is a paucity of research examining public understanding about marine wildlife entanglement [MWE], particularly within an Australian context. The present study surveyed two hundred and thirteen participants across three coastal sites to assess familiarity with MWE and the effectiveness of a new community education initiative 'Seal the Loop' [STL]. Results revealed attitudes toward marine wildlife were very positive (M 40.5, SD 4.12); however 32% of participants were unable to correctly explain what MWE is and risks to wildlife were under-estimated. STL may be one method to enhance public understanding and engagement-if community familiarity with the program can be increased. For those aware of STL (<13% of the sample at the time of the study), findings revealed this was having a positive impact (e.g. learning something new, changed waste disposal behaviours).
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.014 | DOI Listing |
Emerg Microbes Infect
January 2025
Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
We present the first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N5 in an Atlantic walrus (). The animal was found dead in Svalbard, Norway, in 2023. Sequence analysis revealed the highest genetic similarity with virus isolates from different avian hosts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobiol Spectr
January 2025
Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.
Unlabelled: The mummichog, , an abundant estuarine fish broadly distributed along the eastern coast of North America, has repeatedly evolved tolerance to otherwise lethal levels of aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. This tolerance is linked to reduced activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. In other animals, the AHR has been shown to influence the gastrointestinal-associated microbial community, particularly when activated by the model toxic pollutant 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126) and other dioxin-like compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBehav Processes
January 2025
CetAsia Research Group Ltd., Baysville, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Scent marking through urine spraying is known to aid mate selection, territory marking and chemical communication in terrestrial, but not in aquatic mammals. We quantify an unusual aerial urination behaviour in botos (Inia geoffrensis) and discuss its potential functions. Between 2014 and 2018, we conducted land-based behavioural surveys on wild botos in central Brazil, recording the sequence, duration and social context of aerial urination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFViruses
December 2024
Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epizootics have caused repeated mass mortality events among wild birds. The effect of the infection is potentially detrimental for a variety of bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon (). The numbers of wintering and breeding Peregrine Falcons in the Netherlands have recently declined.
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