Dear Marmam Readers, I am very pleased to announce the following publication: *Monteiro SS, Torres J, Ferreira M, Marçalo A, Nicolau L, Vingada JV, Eira C (2016). Ecological variables influencing trace element concentrations in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) stranded in continental Portugal. Science of the Total Environment 544: 837-844.* *Abstract* Both the conservation status of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) (Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE, Annex II) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive demand for data on their ecology and anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the bottlenose dolphin's toxicological status in continental Portugal, several trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) were determined in 25 stranded individuals. The potential effect of sex, body length and stranding location on trace element concentrations was analysed. In the present study, bottlenose dolphins presented high mercury levels, only exceeded by animals from the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. Only essential elements were influenced by dolphin sex, whereas Cd, Hg and Pb bioaccumulated in larger dolphins, and hepatic Hg and Cd concentrations were higher in the northwest coast of continental Portugal. The location effect may relate to variations in bottlenose diet and trace element availability, according to the proximity to anthropogenic sources in the Atlantic Iberian coast. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969715311943 If you are unable to download the article, please contact me by email and I will be happy to send you a copy: s.monteiro@ua.pt Best wishes and Merry Christmas, Silvia Monteiro ---------------------------------------- Postdoctoral researcher CESAM (Centro de estudos do ambiente e do Mar) University of Aveiro Portugal s.monteiro@ <http://www.bio.ua.pt/>ua.pt www.cesam.ua.pt/silvia.monteiro <http://www.cesam.ua.pt/index.php?tabela=pessoaldetail&menu=95&user=1040> Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem/Portuguese Wildlife Society University of Minho Portugal www.socpvs.org