Ms Nelli Zaiko1,2, Dr Michelle Scriver1, Dr Emma Betty2, Prof Karen Stockin2
1Sequench, Nelson, Aotearoa / New Zealand, 2Cetacean Ecology Research Group, Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
I'm a Master's Student at Massey University, with my thesis focusing on the gut microbiome composition of common dolphins which is the first species-specific gut microbial study for this species. Alongside my studies, I also work as a laboratory technician at Sequench, where I am involved in DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing workflows.
Abstract:
In Aotearoa New Zealand, understanding marine mammal health and behavioural factors, particularly in relation to strandings, remains a significant conservation challenge. This is especially true for the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), where limited taxonomic resolution and underrepresentation in species-specific studies limit evidence-based management. Gut microbiotas are increasingly recognised as indicators of host physiological condition, health status, and exposure to environmental and dietary stressors. This study aims to characterise the gut microbiome of bycaught and stranded common dolphins to establish a species-specific baseline. Stomach and intestinal samples from individuals of differing sex and sexual maturity will be analysed using bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to determine microbial community composition. Analyses will assess variation associated with sex and sexual maturity, quantifying intrinsic sources of microbiome variation. Functional inference will be used to predict microbial metabolic potential and its relationship to host condition. Microbial data will be integrated with dietary analyses to contextualise variation in relation to foraging ecology and dietary plasticity. This study would be the first to examine the gut microbiome of any dolphin in Oceania New Zealand waters, establishing the initial baseline for health monitoring and supporting the conservation management of this understudied species.