BLOOD-CHEMISTRY OF WILD HARBOR PORPOISES PHOCOENA-PHOCOENA (L)

Blood chemistry values were measured from 31 harbor porpoises (Phocoen a phocoena) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. S odium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, magnesium, total protein, albumi n, globulin, urea, cholesterol, serum osmolality, and alanine aminotra nsferase levels fell within ranges reported for captive harbor porpois es and other odontocetes. Glucose, potassium, creatine kinase, asparta te aminotransferase, hemoglobin, thyroxine, bilirubin, and alkaline ph osphatase levels were generally higher than those reported for captive odontocetes. Cortisol and creatinine levels were significantly higher (P = 0.0356 and 0.0174, respectively) in porpoises that were handled for longer periods and fitted with electronic tags (mean cortisol valu e = 314 +/- 107 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 94 +/- 14 mu mol/L) th an those receiving roto-tags (mean cortisol value = 222 +/- 82 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 75 +/- 15 mu mol/L). A more controlled study of duration of handling, time spent out of water, degree of manipulati on, and method of tag attachment is required to identify which factors are responsible for the stress response.