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FISH SKELETAL ANOMALIES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
Citation:
Mayer Jr., F L., V D. Engle, AND J K. Summers. FISH SKELETAL ANOMALIES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. Presented at Gulf of Mexico Symposium 2000, Mobile, AL, April 9-12, 2000.
Description:
Measurement of skeletal deformities in fish has been proposed as a means of monitoring pollution effects in marine environments. Effects of organic and inorganic contaminants on bone integrity are similar in that vertebral anomalies are produced, although they may develop through different modes of action. Fishes (3800) sampled during the 1991-1993 Louisianian Province EMAP project were x-rayed and skeletal anomalies were classified. In general, deformities were found only at sites with contaminated sediments and appeared to be related to areas having industrial or agricultural contamination. A significant longitudinal gradient was observed with western sites of the Gulf of Mexico having a frequency of deformities that was much greater than those observed in the eastern part. Limitations of skeletal anomalies as a condition indicator of fish are detailed.