Document of dataset 6569

Dataset record

Type

Dataset

title in English

SHARK - Seal pathology monitoring using necropsy and histopathological findings of dead seals since 2008

Description in English

Seals constitute an important part of pelagic food webs as top predators and their health is essential for maintaining a good ecosystem balance. These organisms are at the highest trophic level and can be used as proxy for harmful substances since these compounds are stored in the body fat (adipose tissue) and organs of the animals. This monitoring program is focused toward determining the health status of seal populations via autopsies of animals that are collected and sent to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. In addition, the program is also aimed for finding and measuring potentially harmful substances in biota. Sampling provides information to describe the cause of death among seals. Data are collected and analyzed according to methods described by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.naturvardsverket.se/upload/stod-i-miljoarbetet/vagledning/miljoovervakning/handledning/metoder/undersokningstyper/kust-hav/patologi-hos-grasal-vikare-sal-och-knubbsal-ver-1-1-2014-03-19.pdf). If the exact position of the findings are not known, the position will be stored as the county town of the county in which the seal was found.

Abstract in English

Seal pathology using necropsy and histopathological findings of dead seals has been monitored in and around Swedish coasts since 2008. The monitoring program was initiated and financed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Monitoring is performed by the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Data are stored in the Swedish archive for oceanographic data (SHARK) database, curated by SMHI.

Contactpoint

Email

shark@smhi.se

License

https://spdx.org/licenses/CC0-1.0.html

bibliographicCitation

Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency; Seal pathology monitoring using necropsy findings and histopathological findings of dead seals since 2008