In accordance with API's policy of providing the federal government with copies of contractor reports on API-sponsored research designed to determine whether any chemical substance or mixture manufactured, processed, or distributed by API member companies may cause risk of injury to health or the environment, I am enclosing a copy of the monthly progress report by Dr. Walter H. Pearson on studies performed at Battelle Marine Research Laboratory relative to the effects of oil on spawning behavior and reproduction in Pacific herring. We have not yet had an opportunity to conduct a detailed review or evaluation of the report. Consequently, any interpretation of the report must be viewed as tentative at this time.