Contact Information

Institute of Marine Science
335 Irving II
P.O. Box 757220
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220
Phone: (907) 474-7795
elsner@ims.uaf.edu

Robert Elsner Professor Emeritus

Marine Mammals

Research Overview

I am a physiologist, and my interests concern the mechanisms by which seals and other aquatic mammals are able to function in the marine environment. Their adaptations for diving, tolerance of cold exposure, and facility for navigation and orientation have been topics of my research. In some respects their responses shed light on the ways in which terrestrial animals, including humans, survive episodes of asphyxia for which they are poorly adapted. Comparative studies based upon this consideration have helped to clarify the similarities and differences among marine and terrestrial species. My concerns for polar marine operations have led to involvement in design planning for arctic research ships.

Selected Publications

Elsner, R. and I.S. de la Lande. 1998. Heterogeneous cholinergic reactions of ringed seal coronary arteries. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A. In press.

Elsner, R., S. Oyasaeter, R. Almass and O.D. Saugstad. 1998. Diving seals, ischemia-reperfusion, and oxygen radicals. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A. In press.

Elsner, R., D.H. Kristensen and A. Keinonen. 1997. The arctic marine frontier: icebreaking research vessel would enhance logistic prospects and arctic research capabilities in the 21st century. Sea Technology 38(8): 47-56.

Elsner, R., K. Shiraki and M. Mohri. 1996. Seals and Ama, animal and human diving experts. In: K. Shiraki, S. Sagawa and M.K. Yousef (eds.), Physiological Basis of Occupational Health: Stressful Environments, Amsterdam, Academic Publishing, pp. 127-135.

Wartzok, D., R. Elsner, H. Stone, B.P. Kelly and R.W. Davis. 1992. Under-ice movements and the sensory basis of hole finding by ringed and Weddell seals. Canadian Journal of Zoology 70:1712-1722.

Elsner, R., D.Wartzok, N.B. Sonafrank and B.P. Kelly, 1989. Behavioral and physiological reactions of arctic seals during under-ice pilotage. Canadian Journal of Zoology 67:2506-2513.

Elsner, R., R.W. Millard, J.K. Kjekshus, F.C. White and A.S. Blix, 1985. Coronary blood flow and myocardial segment dimensions in the diving seal. American Journal of Physiology 249:H1119-H1126.

Elsner, R. and B. Gooden, 1983. Diving and Asphyxia, a Comparative Study of Animals and Man, Cambridge University Press, 169 pp.