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River otter component of the oiled mussel-bed study. Restoration study number 103-3. Exxon Valdez oil spill state/federal natural resource damage assessment final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:426708
The authors` objective was to determine if physiological and morphological differences previously detected in river otters from oiled and nonoiled areas could be affected by mussel beds, and whether these differences would persist or subside with time. Differences in levels of blood haptoglobin and Interleukin-6 ir, which previously were elevated in river otters (Lutra canadensis) inhabiting oiled when compared to nonoiled areas of Prince William Sound, Alaska, were not observed in summer 1992. River otters from oiled areas continued to regain body size from levels noted in 1990; adjusted mean body mass of otters from oiled and nonoiled areas were nearly identical by summer 1992. Consequently, no adverse effects in 1992 could be attributed to oiled mussel beds from areas where river otters were captured. Likewise, oiled mussel beds may not have been a factor contributing to documented differences in these variables in 1990 and 1991.
Research Organization:
Alaska Univ., College, AK (United States)
OSTI ID:
426708
Report Number(s):
PB--96-194709/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English