Project Information

Title: Effects of Oiled Incubation Substrate on Pink Salmon Reproduction 99476

Project Year and Number: 1999: 99476

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2003: 030476, 2002: 02476, 2001: 01476, 2000: 00476

Principal Investigator (PI): Ron Heintz (NOAA/NMFS Auke Bay Laboratory)

Managing Agency: NOAA

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Little Port Walter, Southeast Alaska

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Pink Salmon, Sediments

Abstract: This project will examine the effects of oil exposure during embryonic development on the gamete viability of pink salmon that survive to spawn. The objective is to determine if exposure to oil during incubation could explain the reduced gamete viability reported for pink salmon in Prince William Sound under Project /191A. In that study, gametes taken from pink salmon returning to oiled streams had higher mortality rates than gametes taken from salmon in unoiled streams. These data suggest a dramatic effect of oil on vertebrate reproduction that has not previously been described. The plausibility of reduced gamete viability is indicated by the effects demonstrated by Project /191B, which include reduced marine survival and growth of returning adults. However, this effect still requires unequivocal demonstration. This study is designed to make the demonstration and complete a model of life cycle impacts from incubating eggs in oiled gravel.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Annual Report FY99: View (1,963 KB)
Final Report: See Project 030476

Publications from this Project: None Available