RP11 Immune and Endocrine Disruption: Detection and Implication
Thursday, 17 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(MCM-1117-809053) Reproductive assessments of fish populations collected in Canadian Areas of Concern.

McMaster, M¹, Tetreault, G¹, Boyko, C¹, Brown, S¹, Sherry, J, ¹ Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT- Environment Canada has undertaken studies in Canadian Areas of Concern (AOCs) to determine the current state of fish and wildlife health. Phase One (2001-2005) is focusing on conditions in AOCs of the lower Great Lakes. The studies presented here will focus on AOCs in Lake Ontario including Toronto Harbour and the Bay of Quinte as well as the Niagara River and Cornwall on the St. Lawrence River. Two different fish species were collected from exposed and reference sites and examined for reproductive health. As part of this study our laboratory measures circulating levels of reproductive sex steroids, the production of these steroid using an in vitro gonadal incubation assay as well as gonadal histology for differences in gonadal development due to exposure. These reproductive endpoints are compared to other indicators of overall fish health as well as other endocrine endpoints including thyroid function and circulating vitellogenin levels. Reproductive alterations have been demonstrated at other Canadian AOCs previously looked at. This study is ongoing and its overall goal is to reassess all Canadian AOCs for evidence of endocrine disruption.

Key words: Areas of Concern, Reproduction, Wild Fish, Endocrine Function