PCB contamination in fish is a widespread problem throughout the Great Lakes region. Tissue residue concentrations in many species exceed levels of concern for human consumption and for fish health.
This project will evaluate the effects of PCBs and Dioxins in Areas of Concern and throughout the basin. Lake sturgeon eggs dosed with PCBs and dioxin under controlled conditions will be used to determine thresholds in tissue that represent unacceptable risk and injury with regard to early life stage survival and important sub-lethal effects. Results will be applied to cleanup and restoration decisions and natural resource damage assessments to improve environmental quality for areas of concern throughout the basin.
Results from the first phase of this project can be found in the Sturgeon Health Assessment First Annual Report.
Funding:
FY 2011: $45,000
FY 2010: $300,000
Contact:
Mary.Baker@noaa.gov