A health assessment of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Mexico using fluctuating asymmetry as a bioindicator of stress

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a bioindicator that reflects developmental instability, for assessing the ongoing health of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico. My results, utilizing a composite FA index reflecting asymmetry in four cranial traits, indicated that the level of FA exhibited differed among individual bottlenose dolphins collected in and around Sarasota Bay, Florida and that the level of difference was negatively correlated with measurable indicators of individual quality (i.e., survivability and reproductive success). Further, FA levels revealed that young dolphins experienced a significant increase in stress throughout their first two years, possibly due to an influx of PCB-laden milk from their mothers. Information from this study provides insight into the current status of Sarasota Bay bottlenose dolphins. As well, the data collected relating to measuring efficiency will help researchers maximize their success when applying this technique.