ABSTRACT
A new whale biopsy system designed to obtain efficiently a larger quantity of tissue for biological, genetic, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic research was field tested in the southern Gulf of Maine on humpback whales. Powered by pneumatic gun, 21 of 24 experimental shots hit the study animal. This chapter describes the new whale biopsy system and presents the results of tests conducted on humpback whales to assess the sampling technology developed. It discusses the eclectic value of the humpback whale as a model species for large-scale ecotoxicological studies in ocean systems. The Teflon bag normally is removed by the marksman and his assistant shortly before firing and is replaced once the biopsy sample has been retrieved. The biopsy instrument with the sample is transferred to the assistant for subsequent processing using both clean and sterile techniques. All biopsy samples obtained were divided and processed within 1 hr of the sample being taken.
