Project Information

Title: Evidence and Consequences of Persistent Oil Contamination in Pink Salmon Natal Habitats 00454

Project Year and Number: 2000: 00454

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2001: 01454-CLO

Principal Investigator (PI): Mark Carls (NOAA )

Managing Agency: NOAA

Assisting Personnel: Ron Heintz, Jeep Rice

Research Location: Prince William Sound, Little Port Walter

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Pink Salmon

Abstract: This project will (a) examine the natal habitat of pink salmon in Prince William Sound for evidence of oil contamination in eggs and spawning redds, (b) measure cytochrome P4501A in field and laboratory exposed alevins to relate induction with biological consequences on growth and survival following PAH exposure, and (c) synthesize these results with past research and a reexamination of the recovery status of pink salmon and their spawning habitat. A combination of field and laboratory studies will be conducted for one year to complete the pink salmon toxicity story. Persistent oil reservoirs adjacent to natal streams will be reexamined for evidence of habitat recovery, and the hypothetical mechanism of hydrocarbon introduction into the streams (transfer of dissolved oil in pore water) will be quantified by use of collectors (SPMDs) buried in spawning habitat. The biomarker cytochrome P4501A will be measured in eggs and alevins from field and controlled laboratory exposures. The significance of the biomarker will be determined in measurements of marine growth and survival, using fish from brood year 1998 tests underway.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: View (4,786 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available