Fin clips of oil-exposed wild mahi-mahi

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released millions of barrels of crude oil into the northern Gulf of Mexico, and years of laboratory studies have shown effects on cardiac function, swim performance, and behavior in mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) native to the region . However, the link between laboratory studies and exposure of wild populations has yet to be directly established. This study tracked behavioral data from wild mahi-mahi tagged with pop-up satellite archival tags and exposed to crude oil or control conditions onboard a research vessel before releasing them in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, we analyzed transcriptomics from a small dorsal fin clip sample (n=6 per treatment) to assess the efficacy of non-lethal sampling determination of exposure that could be used in the wild.