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An exploratory investigation into the microbial and cyanobacterial presence on skin epibiotia and orofacial lesions in estuarine common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) through metabarcoding

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Abstract

Estuarine common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) have been documented with light brown skin lesions, loosely categorized as “algal sheens”. In recent years, dolphins from the IRL have also exhibited unusual necro-ulcerative orofacial lesions. To date, no metabarcoding investigation has been conducted to determine whether “algal sheens” observed on the dolphins are pathogenic, opportunistic or are indicators of poor health or water quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the etiology of “algal sheens” and orofacial lesions, to assess the pathogenic potential. In this study, 13 skin and “algal sheen” swabs from 11 dolphins were sequenced using metabarcoding techniques. Genus-level identification was achieved and compared. Results from both “algal sheen” and orofacial lesion samples demonstrated higher bacterial diversity than reported in normal bottlenose dolphin skin microbiomes. Previously unreported bacterial genera were identified, genera containing pathogenic species found in both sample types. Species responsible for “algal sheens” were not definitively identified. Numerous cyanobacterial genera typically found in eutrophic conditions were identified.

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Data availability

This data has been submitted to Genbank Biosample (accession numbers SAMN47938985-SAMN47938997) that will become publicly available after publication.

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Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank Teresa Jablonski, Agatha Fabry, SeaWorld Orlando rescue team and vet services staff, and HSWRI volunteers for their support of this study. This work was funded in part by the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Discover Florida Ocean’s License Plate, Brevard County Tourism and Development Council, and Protect Wild Dolphin’s License plate. We also sincerely thank the Coastal Biology Flagship Program and the Institute of Environmental Research and Education at the University of North Florida.

Funding

This work was funded in part by the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Discover Florida Ocean’s License Plate, Brevard County Tourism and Development Council, and Protect Wild Dolphin’s License plate. We also sincerely thank the Coastal Biology Flagship Program and the Institute of Environmental Research and Education at the University of North Florida.

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  1. Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Amber O. Brown

  2. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 3830 South Highway A1A #4-181, Melbourne Beach, FL, 32951, USA

    Wendy Noke Durden

  3. University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA

    Amber O. Brown, Callahan McGovern & Dale A. Casamatta

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AB wrote the main manuscript text and DAC extracted and amplified all samples and provided funding. WND collected all life history information for all sampled dolphins. AB and WND prepared Table 1, WND prepared Fig. 1, AB and WND prepared Figs. 2, AB prepared Figs 3, 4, and 5 and 3. CM prepared Figs 6, 7, 8 and 9. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Brown, A.O., Durden, W.N., McGovern, C. et al. An exploratory investigation into the microbial and cyanobacterial presence on skin epibiotia and orofacial lesions in estuarine common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) through metabarcoding.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-37434-w

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Keywords

  • Dolphin mortality
  • Metabarcoding
  • Pathogenic

  • Tursiops truncatus

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