Evaluation of hepatic and orocutaneous tumors in fishes in Presque Isle Bay, Pa post-delisting

Session: 07. - Effects of Environmental Contamination on Fish Communities

Sean Rafferty, Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program, [email protected]
Vicki Blazer, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Ryan Braham, United States Geological Survey, [email protected]
Tom Cermak, Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program, [email protected]
Jay Stauffer, The Pennsylvania State University, [email protected]
Michael Rutter, Penn State Behrend, [email protected]

Abstract

In 2013, the U.S. Department of State delisted the Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern (AOC) in response to research showing that hepatic tumor rates in Ameiurus nebulosus in Presque Isle Bay (PIB), Pennsylvania and the reference site Long Point Inner Bay (LPIB), Ontario were statistically equivalent. The presence of hepatic tumors, and on a lesser scale orocutaneous tumors, are commonly associated with the exposure of A. nebulosus to elevated levels of chemicals in sediments.  While the occurrence of hepatic and orocutaneous tumors in A. nebulosus have been well documented throughout the Great Lakes, the occurrence of tumors in other fishes in the Great Lakes has received less attention.  Since delisting the fish tumors or other deformities beneficial use impairment and PIB AOC, the following questions have been raised: does the occurrence of hepatic and orocutaneous tumors in A. nebulosus indicate a greater impact to the PIB fish community or are tumors found primarily in A. nebulosus.  To address these questions, between 2013 and 2015, we assessed the prevalence of hepatic and orocutaneous tumors within Micropterus dolomieu, Amia calva, Ameiurus natalis, and A. nebulosus collected from PIB and LPIB.  This presentation will highlight the results of these assessments.  

1. Keyword
fish diseases

2. Keyword
bioindicators

3. Keyword
environmental health