eDNA, Microbiomes, Photogrammetry and Hormones Assessment Techniques in Cetaceans

This study explores the use of environmental DNA and DNA metabarcoding to assess cetacean communities and their potential prey along the northern coast of Mainland Portugal. Over four seasonal campaigns, we collected seawater samples and analyzed them using Next-Generation Sequencing, identifying five cetacean species. Molecular detections largely aligned with visual monitoring, confirming year-round presence. Notably, the detection of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) was significant, as no prior scientific records exist for the area. We also found evidence of predator-prey overlap, suggesting the coastal area serves as a feeding ground.​​​​​​​​​

This study explores how analyzing the breath of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) can help assess their respiratory health. Since respiratory diseases are a major threat to cetaceans, we examined the microbes in exhaled breath samples from whales off Madeira Island. By sequencing DNA, we identified key bacterial groups and compared two different genetic markers to determine which method best captures microbial diversity. Our findings also highlight how social interactions may influence respiratory microbiomes and confirm that breath samples can serve as valuable health indicators for wild cetaceans.