Marine Mammal Diving Physiology Workshop
Abstract
Marine mammals have the ability to dive to great depths and return to surface in the absence of decompression sickness (DCS) threats" (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen induces seizures, shallow water blackout, nitrogen narcosis). Although there have been significant advance""s in the observation and measurement of marine mammal behavior, there is comparatively little understanding of the respiratory and c""ardiovascular adaptations critical for managing hypoxia, hypercapnia, and inert gases during diving. Furthermore, there is limited i"nformation regarding the integration of physiological and behavioral mechanisms comprising flight responses in these diving mammals." The disruption of normal marine mammal diving behavior, display of opposing physiological responses, and the associated potential f"or developing gas-bubble disease or DCS remain the leading hypotheses proposed as a cause-effect relationship between mid-frequency" active (MFA) sonar use and mass stranding events. To address this, a major goal of the Marine Mammal Biology (MMB) program is to di""scover the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that permit marine mammals to dive to deep depths for long durations, and to pro"vide a better understanding of the potential risk of these animals developing gas-bubble disease or DCS when exposed to MFA or other" ocean noise. To provide the best science to investigate these issues, we propose to conduct a workshop to review and assess the" current state of knowledge regarding the risks posed to physiological and biochemical mechanisms that enable marine mammals to dive for extended periods to deep depths while avoiding DCS. The workshop will specifically address the potential risk of animals develo"ping gas-bubble disease or DCS when exposed to MFA sonar, and will evaluate the potential for other physiological risks. The worksho"p will consist of a small number (approx. 15) of selected participants who can contribute their expertise on the state of the resear"ch. In addition, three to four external reviewers will help evaluate these research efforts, and identify strengths and weaknesses o"f current approaches. The outcome of the workshop and review process will be a summary report and a review manuscript written for a" peer-reviewed journa. These outputs will help, 1) evaluate the return on investment of current US Navy funded programs, 2) identify"" key data needs, 3) assess the contributions of current research programs to meet these data needs, and 4) determine the ability of" investigators to meet oustanding data needs given the current state of technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712592
Entities
People
- Terrie M. Williams
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Cruz