You are here:
Simulated response and effects to oil exposure in an estuarine fish species
Citation:
Awkerman, J., Sandy Raimondo, Becky Hemmer, AND M. Barron. Simulated response and effects to oil exposure in an estuarine fish species. SETAC North America 35th Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, November 09 - 13, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
We collected experimental data to determine dose-dependent effects of oiled sediment on sheepshead minnow, and used these data to parameterize population models. Concentration-dependent effects were projected using location-specific categorical coastal oiling assessments around Barataria Bay following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Description:
Experimental toxicity data alone lack ecological relevance to assess more realistic situations, such as variable exposure to a contaminant and long-term impact. Evaluating the implications of sublethal effects or behavioral response to exposure requires long-term, population-level simulations. Interpreting effects within the appropriate context depends on spatial and temporal variability in exposure concentration as well as seasonal fluctuations in vital rates and behavior of the organism. We collected experimental data to determine dose-dependent effects of oiled sediment on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), and used these data to parameterize population models. Concentration-dependent effects were projected using location-specific, categorical coastal oiling assessments around Barataria Bay following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Density-dependent population models included nonlethal effects of oil exposure on growth and reproduction as observed in controlled experiments. Spatially explicit models simulated post-spill population dynamics according to three scenarios: no oil exposure, reduced growth and fecundity as a result of oil exposure, and avoidance response to oiled habitat. Reduced growth and fecundity in oiled habitat resulted in short-term population decline. Avoidance behavior prevented some effects of oil exposure; however, reduced habitat availability in oiled areas still decreased fish populations temporarily.