“The Neurological Effects of Domoic Acid Toxicosis on Marine Mammals and Its Implications on Florida Wildlife”

Author

• Grace Grace Putnam

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Mincer, Tracy

Abstract

The dwindling population of the Florida manatee faces greater threats every year. With the addition of a domoic acid (DA) producing algal bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia, in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), they may have yet another threat. This study uses prior literature to compare and contrast the neuroanatomy of the California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus, and the Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus, to predict the effects of DA toxicosis in manatees. It also investigates the possible effects of this kind of harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the IRL and for the people living near it. This study demonstrates, based on DA research in sea lions, that manatees could have decreased survivability due to DA induced hippocampal lesion development causing perseveration behaviors and loss of memory and goal directed behaviors. As well as decreased survivability to cold stress syndrome due to increased levels of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) .

Comments

Thesis (B.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2022

Recommended Citation

Grace Putnam, Grace, "“The Neurological Effects of Domoic Acid Toxicosis on Marine Mammals and Its Implications on Florida Wildlife”" (2022). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present. 171.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors/171

Extent

31 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00211