vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May2017	Recent Advisory News
EPA 823-N-17-005	J
West Virginia's Fish Consumption Advisories
In This Issue	Available for 2017
Rg ftdvj	The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), through an
interagency agreement, partners with the West Virginia Department of Environmental
PA ,5WS	""			Protection (DEP) and the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop consumption
Other News	7 advisories for fish caught in West Virginia, Fish consumption advisories are reviewed
annually and help West Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they
Recently Awarded Research... 11
catch.
Recent Publications	12
The following 2017 advisory recommendation is the result of reviewing new and recent
Upcoming Meetings
and Conferences	14 fish tissue data. Data collected from lakes and rivers in West Virginia show that a general
statewide advisory of sport-caught fish is appropriate. A review of this information
indicates that mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxin are the chemicals of
greatest concern. For detailed information about these contaminants and the levels
measured, consult the DHHR website at http: //www.vvvdhhr.org/fish.
Body weight and meal size are important factors in fish advisories. Use the chart below to
find the meal size that corresponds to your body weight. This advisory is designed to keep
the amount of chemicals you eat at a safe level.
This newsletter provides information
only. This newsletter does not
impose legally binding requirements
on the U.S. Environmental Protection
Sgency (EPA), states, tribes, other
regulatory authorities, orthe
regulated community. The Office of
Science and Technology, Office of
Water, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has approved this newsletter
for publication. Mention of trade
names, products, or services does
not convey and should not be
interpreted as conveying official EPA
approval, endorsement, or
recommendation for use.
https://vwvw.epa.eov/fish-tech
Meal Sizes
A person weighing
between
Should eat no more than this amount per meal
Pounds
Ounces of precooked fish
20 or less
1.0
21-35
1.5
36-50
2.0
51-70
3.0
71-90
4.0
91-110
5.0
111-130
6.0
131-150
7.0
151 and over
8.0
Remember that 3.0 ounces of precooked fish is about the size of the
palm of your hand or a deck of cards.
Remember that 1.5 ounces of precooked fish is about one-half the size
of the palm of your hand or one-half the size of a deck of cards.
This newsletter provides a monthly summary of news about fish and shellfish

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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May 2017
Follow the advice presented in this advisory, noting the differences between the General Advisories for all West
Virginia waters and the more restrictive Specific Advisories.
General Advisories: 2017 West Virginia Statewide Consumption Advisories
Water Body
Species
LimitYour Fish MealsTo:
Contaminants(s)
All waters in West Virginia (except where
listed in the Specific Consumption
Advisories)
Hybrid Striped Bass
1 meal/month
Mercury
PCBs
White Bass
Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)
2 meals/month
Channel Catfish greater than 17 inches
Flathead Catfish
Rock Bass
Walleye, Sauger, and Saugeye
All Suckers
Channel Catfish less than 17 inches
1 meal/week
All other species
Rainbow Trout
No limit
More restrictive advisories issued in 2017 affect the following water bodies:
Specific Advisories: 2017 West Virginia-specific Consumption Advisories
Water Body
Species
LimitYour Fish MealsTo:
Contaminants(s)*
Bluestone River
Carp
1 meal/month
PCBs
Fish Creek
Smallmouth Bass, all sizes
1 meal/month
Mercury
Flat Fork Creek
Carp
Do not eat
PCBs
Channel Catfish, all sizes
Suckers
Kanawha River
(downstream of 1-64 bridge in Dunbar,
including all backwaters, Armour Creek,
Heizer Creek, Manila Creek, and lower
two miles Pocatalico River)
Flathead Catfish, all sizes
Do not eat
Dioxin*
Mercury
PCBs
Channel Catfish, all sizes
Carp
Hybrid Striped Bass
Suckers
All other species
1 meal/month
Little Kanawha and Hughes River
Sauger
1 meal/month
Mercury
Upper Mud and Mt. Storm lakes, and
Pinnacle Creek**
Follow Advisory Guidelines for West Virginia Statewide Consumption
Selenium
R.D. Bailey Lake
Channel Catfish greater than 17 inches
6 meals/year
PCBs
Shenandoah River
Carp
Do not eat
Mercury
PCBs*
Smallmouth Bass
1 meal/month
Mercury
Summersville Lake
Flathead Catfish, all sizes
1 meal/month
Mercury
Walleye
Sutton Lake
Black Bass, all sizes
1 meal/month
Mercury
Note:
*Contaminant(s): Meal limits are determined by the chemical with asterisk. Other chemicals, such as dioxin, (Hg) methylmercury may have an
advisory at a less restrictive level.
**Measureable levels of selenium were detected in fish samples from the listed water bodies. The levels measured would suggest advisories that are
less restrictive or consistent with the statewide consumption advice in place for mercury and PCBs.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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For further information or the most current advice, consult the West Virginia DHHR website at
www.wvdhhr.org/fish or call 304-558-2771.
Other contacts:
•	West Virginia DNR website at http: //www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/fishing.shtm or call 304-558-2771.
•	West Virginia DEP website at http: //www.dep.wv.gov/ or call 304-926-0495.
•	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech.
Source: http://www.wvdhhr.org/fish/Current Advisories.asp.
2017 Ohio River Fish Consumption Advisories
The protocol used to determine Ohio River fish consumption advisories is the product of the efforts of a multi-
agency workgroup consisting of representatives from the six main stem states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) as well as the EPA and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission to
develop consistent fish advisories along the Ohio River main stem. The online Ohio River advisory is available at
www.orsanco.org/fca. Please refer to the website for recent updates.
For all fish not listed in the table below, please observe a one meal per week advisory due to mercury and other
concerns. All listed advisories are issued to protect people who regularly eat sport fish, women of childbearing age,
and children.
2017 Ohio River Consumption Advisory
Ohio River Segment
Species
LimitYour Fish MealsTo:
Contaminants(s)

Common Carp
Channel Catfish 18 Inches and over
Do not eat
PCBs
Unit 1
All Suckers
Channel Catfish less than 18 Inches
Flathead Catfish
White Bass
6 meals/year
PCBs
Confluence of the Monongahela
and Allegheny rivers to the
Montgomery Locks and Dam
Freshwater Drum
1 meal/month
PCBs
Mercury
Black Crapple
White Crapple
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Sauger
Saugeye
Walleye
1 meal/month
PCBs

Channel Catfish 18 Inches and over
Do not eat
PCBs
Unit 2
Montgomery Locks and Dam to the
Belleville Locks and Dam
Channel Catfish less than 18 Inches
Common Carp
Striped Bass Hybrid
White Bass
6 meals/year
PCBs
Black Crapple
White Crapple
1 meal/month
Mercury

Freshwater Drum
1 meal/month
PCBs
Mercury
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May 2017
2017 Ohio River Consumption Advisory
Ohio River Segment
Species
LimitYour Fish MealsTo:
Contaminants(s)

All Suckers
Flathead Catfish
Largemouth Bass
Saugeye
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Walleye
1 meal/month
PCBs
Unit 3
Belleville Locks and Dam to the
JT Myers Locks and Dam
Channel Catfish 18 inches and over
Striped Bass
Striped Bass Hybrid
6 meals/year
PCBs
Largemouth Bass 15 inches and over
Smallmouth Bass 15 inches and over
Spotted Bass 15 inches and over
1 meal/month
Mercury
Flathead Catfish
Freshwater Drum
White Bass
1 meal/month
PCBs
Mercury
All Suckers
Channel Catfish less than 18 inches
Common Carp
1 meal/month
PCBs
Unit 4
JT Myers Locks and Dam to the
Confluence with the Mississippi
River
Freshwater Drum 14 inches and over
Largemouth Bass
Sauger
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
White Bass
1 meal/month
Mercury
All Suckers 19 inches and over
Flathead Catfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass Hybrid
1 meal/month
PCBs
Mercury
Blue Catfish over 20 inches
Channel Catfish 18 inches and over
Common Carp 22 inches and over
1 meal/month
PCBs
For further information or the most current advice, consult the states' websites:
•	Pennsylvania:
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/WaterOualitv/FishConsumptionAdvisorv/Pages/def
ault.aspx
•	West Virginia: http: //www.wvdhhr.org/fish/Current Advisories.asp
•	Ohio: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/fishadvisorv/index.aspx
•	Kentucky: http://fw.kv.gov/Fish/Pages/Fish-Consumption-Advisories.aspx
•	Indiana: http://\v\v\v.in.gov/isdh/2°,6c;o.htm
•	Illinois: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/toxicologv/fish-
advisories / map
Source: www.orsanco.org/fca.
EPA News
Mid-Columbia River Fish Toxics Assessment
The 2017 Mid-Columbia River Fish Toxics Assessment: EPA Region 1 o Report provides a baseline understanding of
toxic contamination in fish tissue in the Mid-Columbia River between the Bonneville Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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Abstract
The Columbia River Basin is a priority watershed for states, tribes, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations
and was designated as a "critical ecosystem" that warrants protection in the EPA's 2006-2011 Strategic Plan
(USEPA 2006a). Past studies by EPA and others have found significant concentrations of toxic contaminants in fish
and the waters they inhabit throughout the basin (USEPA 2009). However, the Mid-Columbia River (MCR) main
stem reach, between Bonneville Dam and Grand Coulee Dam, has not been described in terms of concentrations of
contaminants in fish tissue. This study of the MCR is an effort to fill this information void.
A spatially distributed probabilistic sample design was used to select 42 sample sites along the MCR main stem to
represent the entire 718-km (440-mile) reach. During the summers of 2008 and 2009, field crews collected two
types of fish samples to represent both human health and ecological endpoints. Water quality and physical habitat
data were also collected at each site. Fish tissue was analyzed for a variety of toxic contaminants. Water samples
were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics and trace elements.
Toxic contaminants were measured in fillet tissue for the human health endpoint and in whole fish tissue for the
ecological endpoint. Using the probabilistic study design, the data were analyzed to produce statistical results that
are expressed in terms of the extent of the MCR reach. The results were also compared to literature screening values
(SVs) to put the results in context for interpretation. Multiple contaminants were found to exceed SV
concentrations. Mercury, PCBs, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) were responsible for most of the
exceedances of human health SVs. Trace elements and DDTs were responsible for most of the exceedances of
ecological SVs.
Human Health Findings
Tissue contaminant concentrations in fish fillet samples were compared to four types of SVs. Cancer and non-
cancer SVs were calculated for two different consumption rates, one representing the general public and one
representing people who consume fish at a higher rate. All the contaminants that exceeded human health SVs in
fillets were widely detected. However, some widely detected contaminants did not exceed any of these SVs. The
following are general results on the extent and magnitude of contaminant concentrations relevant to human health
SVs in fish fillet samples collected from the MCR.
•	Mercury was detected in all fillet samples, representing 100 percent of the MCR length. Concentrations
exceeded the non-cancer SVs for both the general and the high fish-consuming populations in most of the
MCR.
•	PCBs exceeded cancer SVs for both the general and the high fish-consuming populations throughout the
MCR reach. Non-cancer SVs were exceeded for both types of consumers in a substantial proportion of the
reach.
•	Total DDTs and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) exceeded cancer SVs for both the general and
high fish-consuming populations in a substantial proportion of the MCR reach.
•	Several of the other chlorinated pesticides were frequently detected in tissue samples. Only dieldrin
exceeded both of the cancer SVs in a substantial proportion of the MCR reach. Heptachlor epoxide and
hexachlorobenzene also exceeded the cancer SVs but to a lesser spatial extent for both the general and high
fish-consuming populations.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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•	Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were frequently detected in fillet samples, but did not exceed any
of the SVs.
•	Dioxins and furans were rarely detected. The dioxin congeners with available SVs were not detected in the
samples.
Ecological Findings
Tissue contaminant concentrations in whole fish samples were also compared to available SVs. Three types of SVs
were compared: piscivorous avian wildlife (kingfisher and American kestrels), piscivorous wildlife (mink and otter),
and general aquatic species SVs. The avian SVs are generally the lowest (most stringent) and therefore the ones
most often exceeded in these tissue samples. The following are general descriptions of the extent and magnitude of
contaminant concentrations in ecological SVs from whole fish samples collected from the MCR.
•	Total DDTs and DDE exceeded both the kingfisher and general aquatic SVs in much of the MCR reach,
while dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) exceedances for kingfisher were more limited in extent.
•	Total chlordane exceeded the kingfisher SV in a small percent of the MCR length, and was the only other
chlorinated pesticide with an SV exceedance.
•	Total PBDEs exceeded the SV for American kestrels (a bird species) in a small percentage of the MCR reach.
•	Mercury wildlife SVs were exceeded for kingfisher in much of the MCR reach, and for otter and mink in a
smaller proportion.
•	Several metals (zinc, copper, and selenium) exceeded the general aquatic SVs in most of the MCR reach,
while others (nickel, arsenic, and lead) exceeded them in a smaller proportion of the river.
Conclusions and Recommendations
•	Bioaccumulative contaminants are an ongoing problem in the MCR as in many other parts of the United
States. Nationally, the number of fish advisories for mercury, PCBs, and DDTs continues to increase
(USEPA 2011).
•	Elevated mercury concentrations are very similar to those found in rivers across the United States.
Likewise, PBDE levels were reflective of other large U.S. river systems (Blocksom et al. 2010).
•	MCR fish tissue concentration of DDTs stand out as being extremely elevated compared to what is found in
the rest of the United States, even in other agriculturally intense locations. Although DDTs and the other
persistent chlorinated pesticides are likely related to historical agricultural applications, efforts can be
made to reduce their mobilization and transport into the MCR. Improved land management practices have
significantly reduced concentrations of DDT in fish tissue in some portions of the Columbia Basin
(Washington Department of Ecology 2014).
•	Important fish tissue contaminants of concern and their ranking are virtually the same for both the general
and high fish consumers. This suggests the same triggers for improving environmental conditions/reducing
contaminants are present regardless of the intensity of use of the fisheries resource.
•	This study establishes a baseline for toxic contamination in fish tissue in the MCR. Repeated at intervals,
studies of this type would help to determine trends in contamination so that future assessments of the
Columbia River will be able to provide more robust understanding of the relationship between
contaminants and associated human activity, natural phenomena, and environmental change.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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About this Report
This assessment does not evaluate risk. The purpose was to create a baseline understanding of toxic contamination
in fish tissue in the MCR. Continued assessments can help to determine trends in contamination and provide a
more robust understanding of the relationship between contaminants and associated human activity, natural
phenomena, and environmental change.
Both the states of Oregon and Washington maintain fish consumption advisories for the fish species included in this
study. Salmon and steelhead were not included in this study, and are a recommended best choice according to the
EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Related Information
•	Eating Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know (FDA-EPA advice regarding eating fish)
•	State of Oregon Fish Advisories
•	State of Washington Fish Advisories
Download the Full Report
•	Mid-Columbia River Fish Toxics Assessment (PDF) (164 pp, 10 MB, March 2017, EPA-910-R-17-002)
For more information, contact Lillian Herger at Herger.Lilli an@epa.gov or Gretchen Hayslip at
Havslip.Gretchen@epa.gov.
Study Citation: Herger, L., L. Edmond, and G. Hayslip. 2017. Mid Columbia River Fish Toxics Assessment: EPA
Region 10 Report. EPA-910-R-17-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Seattle, Washington.
Sources: https://www.epa.gov/columbiariver/mid-columbia-river-fish-toxics-assessment:
https://www.epa.gOv/fish-tech/reports-and-fact-sheets-about-fish-consumption-and-human-health#reports.
Other News
Pharmaceuticals Commonly Detected in Small Streams in the
Southeastern United States
Pharmaceuticals are widespread in small streams in the Southeast, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS). In 2014, the USGS sampled 59 small streams in portions of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Virginia for 108 different pharmaceutical compounds and detected one or more
pharmaceuticals in all 59 streams. The average number of pharmaceuticals detected in the streams was six.
Previous research indicated that wastewater treatment facility discharges were the most likely source for
pharmaceutical chemicals in surface water. However, the findings in this study, reported in the journal
Environmental Science and Technology Letters, indicate other sources as well—only 17 of the 59 streams have any
reported wastewater discharges.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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"The w idespread occurrence of pharmaceuticals in these small streams irrespective of wastewater discharges
indicates the need for approaches for preventing pharmaceutical contamination that extend beyond effluent
treatment," said Paul Bradley, a USGS research hydrologist and the lead author of the study. "Sources of
pharmaceuticals to these small streams likely include aging sewer infrastructure and leakage from septic systems."
The most common pharmaceutical chemicals
detected are:
•	Metformin: Used to treat Type II diabetes,
this chemical was detected in 89 percent of
samples;
•	Lidocaine: Used as a pain reliever, this
chemical was detected in 38 percent of
samples;
•	Acetaminophen: Used as a pain reliever, this
chemical was detected in 36 percent of
samples;
•	Carbamazepine: Used to treat seizures, this
chemical was detected in 28 percent of
samples;
•	Fexofenadine: Used as an anti-histamine,
this chemical was detected in 23 percent of samples; and
•	Tramadol: An opioid pain reliever, this chemical was detected in 22 percent of samples.
Although much uncertainty remains as to how pharmaceuticals affect aquatic organisms, some adverse effects have
been documented. Antibiotic/antibacterial contaminants, detected in at least 20 percent of streams, can affect
aquatic microbial communities, altering the base of the food web. Antihistamines, frequently detected in this study,
affect neurotransmitters for many aquatic insects. And metformin, nearly ubiquitous in the streams studied, can
affect the reproductive health of fish.
The chemicals with the highest concentrations are those listed above, but none exceeded human health
benchmarks. In addition to the individual chemicals listed, the two groups of compounds most frequently detected
were nicotine-related compounds (71 percent of samples) and caffeine-related compounds (detected in 49 percent
of samples).
This study is one of several regional stream-quality assessments by the USGS National Water Quality Assessment
(NAWQA) Project. Findings will provide the public and policy-makers with information regarding which human
and natural factors are the most critical in affecting stream quality. Regions studied include the Midwest (2or-s). the
Southeast (2014). the Pacific Northwest (2015). and the Northeast (2016). The California (2017) field study is
nearing completion. Data analysis and interpretation are ongoing for the Northeast and California studies.
Support for this work was provided by the USGS National Water Quality Program's NAWQA Project. Additional
support was provided by the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program.
WwftinciwiC.C.
Ar


EXPLANATION 1
1 I Extent ol SESQA study area
1 L-
¦ Ufoan areas

Median Iconc ng L1

* 0 to 15

O 16 to 65

C (6 to 135

O 136 to 531

9 S32U&C03

Mtnu Uitjin Study Ami
Cumulative median concentrations of pharmaceutical chemicals detected during
the sampling conducted in June of 2014 in 59 small streams. The four urban
study areas are shown in boxes, with details in the study. (Image courtesy of
USGS)
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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Study Citation: Bradley, P.M., C.A. Journey, D.T. Button, D.M. Carlisle, J.M. Clark, B.J. Mahler, N. Nakagaki, S.L.
Qi, I.R. Waite, and P.C. VanMetre. 2016. Metaformin and other pharmaceuticals widespread in wadeable streams of
the Southeastern United States. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 3(6) 1243-249.
For more information, contact Alex Demas, Public Affairs Specialist (Office of Communications and Publishing), at
APDemas@usgs.gov. 703-648-4421; or Paul Bradley, Hydrologist, at PBradlev@usgs.gov. 803-750-6125.
Source: https://www.usgs.gov/news/pharmaceuticals-commonlv-detected-small-streams-southeastern-united-
states.
The Genetics Behind the Killifish's Adaptation to Pollution
Killifish living in four polluted U.S. East Coast estuaries have adapted quickly to survive high levels of toxic
industrial pollutants. In a new study, researchers explored the complex genetics involved in the Atlantic killifish's
resilience, bringing us one step closer to understanding how they rapidly evolved to tolerate normally lethal levels of
environmental contaminants. Exploring the evolutionary basis for these genetic changes may provide new
information about the mechanisms of environmental chemical toxicity in both animals and humans.
A new study, published in the journal Science, used powerful genomic approaches to sequence and then scan the
entire killifish genome from multiple fish populations, allowing an unbiased search for genes involved in chemical
tolerance. The findings provide information about which genes are linked with tolerance to specific chemicals and
how genetic differences may affect an organism's sensitivity to environmental contaminants.
The study, led by Andrew Whitehead, PhD, at the University of California, Davis, built on decades of research into
the killifish's ability to survive industrial contamination. Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded scientists at
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) collaborated on the study, which was also funded by the National
Science Foundation, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Oceans and Human Health
program, and the EPA.
A Genetic Basis for Resilience
The Atlantic killifish is non-migratory and abundant in U.S. East Coast salt marsh estuaries, including sites
contaminated with complex mixtures of persistent industrial pollutants, such as PCBs, dioxins, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. Killifish living in highly polluted areas can tolerate concentrations up to 8,000 times higher
than similar killifish living at sites that are not polluted. To better understand the genetic basis for this adaptation,
researchers analyzed 384 whole killifish genome sequences and compared genomes from killifish in non-polluted
sites to genomes of killifish from polluted sites in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts; Newark Bay, New Jersey;
Connecticut's Bridgeport area; and Virginia's Elizabeth River.
By pairing killifish from polluted and non-polluted sites, the researchers revealed hundreds of genome regions
where the pollutant-resistant killifish appeared to undergo natural selection. Several of the regions had changes in
all four resistant populations and included genes involved in the previously identified aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(AHR) signaling pathway, which is responsible for regulating a number of biological responses. However, rather
9

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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May 2017
than finding a single change in an AHR gene, the researchers found changes in a variety of genes involved in the
AHR pathway.
According to the study authors, the convergence on the
AHR pathway in the four distinct populations suggests
that there are likely a limited number of evolutionary
ways for adaptation to pollution to occur. However,
within those constraints, there is more than one
molecular solution, as reflected in the differences in
some selected genes in the different populations. The
new findings also suggest that the killifish's genetic
diversity makes them unusually well-positioned to
quickly adapt and survive in radically altered habitats.
Human Health Implications
Like fish, humans have an AHR, which controls the body's response to some drugs and pollutants. Previous studies
in mice, birds, and some fish show that variation in AHR itself can control sensitivity to dioxin-like chemicals.
.Although there is some inter-individual genetic variation in AHRs among humans, the differences in AHR do not
fully account for differences in chemical susceptibility or resilience. Another study demonstrates, in a natural
population, that genetic variation in other genes encoding proteins in the AHR pathway may also contribute to
variations in sensitivity among individuals and populations. This informs future research to better explain how
genetic differences among humans and other species ma}' contribute to differences in sensitivity to environmental
chemicals.
WHOI biologists and study authors Mark Hahn, PhD, and Sibel Karchner, PhD, have been studying killifish
resistant to contamination in New Bedford Harbor since 1995 as part of the Boston University (BU) SRP Center, in
collaboration with researchers from the EPA's Atlantic Ecology Division in Rhode Island. The new study built on
earlier work from the BU SRP Center focused on characterizing the PCB-resistant New Bedford Harbor fish and
identifying and characterizing genes in the AHR signaling pathway that may be responsible for tolerance to
environmental contaminants.
For more information, contact Mark Hahn at MHahn@whoi.edu.
Study Citations:
•	Reid, N., D.A. Proestou, B.VV. Clark, W.C. Warren, J.K. Colbourne, J.R. Shaw, S.I. Karchner, M.E. Hahn,
D.E. Nacci, M.F. Oleksiak, D.L. Crawford, and A. Whitehead. 2016. The genomic landscape of rapid
repeated evolutionary adaptation to toxic pollution in wild fish. Science 354(63i7):i305-i308.
•	Reitzel, A.M., S.I. Karchner, D.G. Franks, B.R. Evans, D.E. Nacci, D. Champlin, V.M. Vieira, and M.E.
Hahn. 2014. Genetic variation at aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) loci in populations of Atlantic killifish
CFundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting polluted and reference habitats. BMC Evolutionary Biology 14(6).
Source: https:/7tools.niehs.nih.go\7srp/researchbriefs/view.cfm?Brief 10=265.
Two brightly-colored male mummichogs (Fundulusheteroclitusheteroclitus,
or small killifish, swim around a duller female mummichog, (Image courtesy
ofNOAA)
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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Recently Awarded Research
NOAA and Sea Grant Fund $800,000 in Research to Understand
Effects of Ocean Changes on Iconic Northeast Marine Life
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
(NOAA's) Ocean Acidification Program and
the Northeast Sea Grant Programs joined together to
prioritize and fund new research on how ocean
acidification is affecting marine life including lobsters,
clams, oysters, mussels, and sand lance that are so
important to the northeast region. Funding includes
$800,000 in federal funds from the two programs with
an additional $400,000 non-federal match.
NOAA and Sea Grant drew on the work of the Northeast
Coastal Acidification Network to set these priorities. The
Network is made up of concerned fishermen, scientists,
resource managers, and representatives from federal and
state agencies who work together to identify critical vulnerabilities in the northeast, including regionally important
and economically significant marine resources that are vital to the many livelihoods and the culture of New
England.
Some of the research will include:
A project led by Dianna Padilla, a PhD researcher from Stony Brook University has been awarded $185,435 to
explore whether blue mussels can adapt to changes in ocean chemistry. Blue mussels live across a wide geographic
range in a variety of habitats and are a commercially important species, used in aquaculture in New England. The
investigators will examine mussels throughout their lives, across multiple generations, to assess their ability to
adapt and determine if mussels from certain areas of Long Island Sound are better able to cope with varying
acidification conditions. This information can then be used to help shellfish growers determine where to collect
mussels to spawn for seed and improve stocks of mussels for aquaculture in the long run.
Another project at Stony Brook University, under the leadership of Bassem Allam, PhD, has received $199,927, to
compare how different bivalves respond to acidification. Bivalves such as oysters and clams, represent the most
important marine resource in several northeast states and production of bivalve seed has recently suffered
significant losses due to ocean acidification in some of the largest hatcheries in the nation. Researchers will identify
genetic features associated with resilience in an aim to provide the aquaculture industry with tools to select resilient
shellfish stocks.
Richard Wahle, PhD, at the University of Maine and his collaborators at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and
the University of Prince Edward Island have received a grant of $200,000 to study how young lobster respond to
ocean warming and acidification across New England. With 90 percent of the landings harvested from the Gulf of
Research being conducted by New Hampshire Sea Grant is focused on
understanding the effects of ocean acidification on clams, (Image courtesy
of NOAA)
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May 2017
Maine, climate change has already brought about major shifts in the distribution and timing of New England's
lobster fishing. Wahle's team will look at the behavior, physiology, and gene expression of larval lobster in different
temperature and acidification conditions that mimic those expected in the next century in the Northeast.
Hannes Baumann, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Connecticut have received a grant of $198,393 to study
the sensitivity of the Northern sand lance to ocean warming, acidification, and low oxygen. Unbeknownst to many
visitors to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, who marvel at humpback whales, seals, bluefin tuna, and
marine birds, most of these animals concentrate in the sanctuary because of sand lance. "Sand lance are a small
forage fish that we call the 'backbone of the sanctuary because they are at the base of the food chain," said
Baumann, and "despite their importance to the ecosystem, their sensitivity to climate and ocean change is
unknown."
Source:
http://research.noaa.gov/News/NewsArchive/LatestNews/TabId/684/ArtMID/i768/ArticleID/ii8':;8/NOAA-and-
Sea-Grant-fund-8ooooo-in-research-to-understand-effects-of-ocean-changes-on-iconic-Northeast-marine-
life.aspx.
Recent Publications
Journal Articles
The list below provides a selection of research articles focusing on pharmaceuticals.
~	A review of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in Indian water bodies
Balakrishna, K., A. Rath, Y. Praveenkumarreddy, K.S. Guruge, and B. Subedi. 2017. A review of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals
and personal care products in Indian water bodies. Ecotoxiciology and Environmental Safety 137:113-120.
~	Pharmaceutical metabolism in fish: Using a 3-D hepatic in vitro model to assess clearance
Baron, M.G., K.S. Mintram, S.F. Own, M.J. Hetheridge, A.J. Moody, W.M. Purcell, S.K. Jackson, and A.N. Jha. 2017. Pharmaceutical
metabolism in fish: Using a 3-D hepatic in vitro model to assess clearance. PLoS ONE 12(l):e0168837.
~	Bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the unionid mussel Lasmieona costata'm a river receivingwastewater
effluent
de Solla, S.R., E.A.M. Gilroy, J.S. Klinck, L.E. King, R. Mclnnis, J. Struger, S.M. Backus, and P.L. Gillis. 2016. Bioaccumulation of
pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the unionid mussel Lasmigona costata in a river receiving wastewater effluent.
Chemosphere 146:486-496.
~	Exposure to the contraceptive progestin, gestodene. alters reproductive behavior, arrests egg deposition, and masculinizes development in the
fathead minnow (Pimeohales prome/ad
Frankel, T.E., M.T. Meyer, D.W. Koplin, A.B. Gillis, D.A. Alvarez, and E.F. Orlando. 2016. Exposure to the contraceptive progestin,
gestodene, alters reproductive behavior, arrests egg deposition, and masculinizes development in the fathead minnow
(Pimephales promeias). Environmental Science & Technology 50(ll):5991-5999.
~	Assessing potential vulnerability and response offish to simulated avian predation after exposure to psychotropic pharmaceuticals
Hedgespeth, M.L., P.A. Nilsson, and 0. Berglund. 2016. Assessing potential vulnerability and response offish to simulated avian
predation after exposure to psychotropic pharmaceuticals. Toxics 4(2):1-13.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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~	Home alone-The effects of isolation on uptake of a pharmaceutical contaminant in a social fish
Heynen, M., T. Backstrom, J. Fick, M. Jonsson, J. Klaminder, and T. Brodin. 2016. Home alone—The effects of isolation on uptake
of a pharmaceutical contaminant in a social fish. Aquatic Toxicology 180:71-77.
~	Anti-anxietv drugs and fish behavior: Establishing the link between internal concentrations of oxazepam and behavioral effects
Huerta, B., L. Margiotta-Casluci, S. Rodriguez-Mozaz, M. Scholze, M.J. Winter, D. Barcelo, and J.P. Sumpter. 2016. Anti-anxiety
drugs and fish behavior: Establishing the link between internal concentrations of oxazepam and behavioral effects. Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry 35(ll):2782-2790.
~	Human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the marine environment including fish farms in Korea
Kim, H.Y., I.S. Lee, and J.E. Oh. 2017. Human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the marine environment including fish farms in
Korea. Science of The Total Environment 579:940-949.
~	Bioaccumulation of five pharmaceuticals at multiple trophic levels in an aquatic food web-Insights from a field experiment
Lagesson, A., J. Fahlman, T. Brodin, J. Fick, M. Jonsson, P. Bystrom, and J. Klaminder. 2016. Bioaccumulation of five
pharmaceuticals at multiple trophic levels in an aquatic food web—Insights from a field experiment. Science of the Total
Environment 568:208-215.
~	Occurrence and potential biological effects of amphetamine on stream communities
Lee, S.S., A.M. Paspalof, D.D. Snow, E.K. Richmond, E.J. Rosi-Marshall, and J.J. Kelly. 2016. Occurrence and potential biological
effects of amphetamine on stream communities. Environmental Science & Technology 50(17):9727-9735.
~	Acute toxicity and histopathological effects of naproxen in zebrafish (Danio rerid early life stages
Li, Q., P. Wang, L Chen, H. Gao, and L. Wu. 2016. Acute toxicity and histopathological effects of naproxen in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
early life stages. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 23(18):18832-18841.
~	Do pharmaceuticals bioaccumulate in marine molluscs and fish from a coastal lagoon?
Moreno-Gonzalez, R., S. Rodriguez-Mozaz, B. Huerta, D. Barcelo, and V.M. Leon. 2016. Do pharmaceuticals bioaccumulate in
marine molluscs and fish from a coastal lagoon? Environmental Research 146:282-298.
~	Pharmaceuticals in grocery market fish fillets bv gas chromatographv-mass spectrometry
Mottaleb, M.A., C. Stowe, D.R. Johnson, M J. Meziani, and M.A. Mottaleb. 2016. Pharmaceuticals in grocery market fish fillets by
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Food Chemistry 190:529-536.
~	Comparison of measured and predicted bioconcentration estimates of pharmaceuticals in fish plasma and prediction of chronic risk
Nallani, G., B. Venables, L. Constantine, and D. Huggett. 2016. Comparison of measured and predicted bioconcentration
estimates of pharmaceuticals in fish plasma and prediction of chronic risk. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and
Toxicology 96(5):580-584.
~	Life-cycle exposure of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of the B-blocker drug propranolol
Parrott, J.L., andV.K. Balakrishnan. 2017. Life-cycle exposure of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of
the p-blocker drug propranolol. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 36(6): 1644-1651.
~	Testingthe "read-across hypothesis" bv investigatingthe effects of ibuprofen on fish
Patel, A., G.H. Panter, H.T. Trollope, Y.C. Glennon, S.F. Owen, J.P. Sumpter, and M. Rand-Weaver. 2016. Testingthe "read-across
hypothesis" by investigatingthe effects of ibuprofen on fish. Chemosphere 163:592-600.
~	Bioaccumulation and trophic magnification of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors in a Mediterranean river food web
Ruhf, A., V. Acufia, D. Barcelo, B. Huerta, J.R. Mor, S. Rodriguez-Mozaz, and S. Sabater. 2016. Bioaccumulation and trophic
magnification of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors in a Mediterranean river food web. Science of The Total Environment
540:250-259.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
May 2017
~	Combined environmental risk assessment for the antiviral pharmaceuticals ganciclovir and valganciclovir in Europe
Straub, J.O. 2017. Combined environmental risk assessment for the antiviral pharmaceuticals ganciclovir and valganciclovir in
Europe. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
~	Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of carbamazepine and other pharmaceuticals in fish under field and controlled laboratory experiments.
Evidences of carbamazepine metabolization bvfish
Valdes, M.E., B. Huerta, D.A. Wunderlin, M.A. Bistoni, D. Barcelo, and S. Rodriguez-Mozaz. 2016. Bioaccumulation and
bioconcentration of carbamazepine and other pharmaceuticals in fish under field and controlled laboratory experiments.
Evidences of carbamazepine metabolization by fish. Science of the Total Environment 557-558:58-67.
Upcoming Meetings and Conferences
World Aquaculture
June 26-30, 2017
Cape Town, South Africa
13th International Conference on Mercury as a Global
Pollutant
July 16-21, 2017
Providence, Rhode Island
American Fisheries Society 147th Annual Meeting
August 20-24, 2017
Tampa, Florida
7th International Symposium on GIS/Spatial Analyses in
Fishery and Aquatic Science
August 21-25, 2017
Hokkaido, Japan
9th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae
November 11-17, 2017
Baltimore, Maryland
37th International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPsl-Dioxin 2017
August 20-25, 2017
Vancouver, Canada
18th International Conference on Diseases of Fish and
Shellfish
September 4-8, 2017
Belfast, United Kingdom
Additional Information
This monthly newsletter highlights current information about fish and shellfish.
For more information about specific advisories within the state, territory, or tribe, contact the appropriate
state agency listed on EPA's National Listing of Fish Advisories website at https://fishadvisorvonline.epa.gov/Contacts.aspx.
For more information about this newsletter, contact Sharon Frev (Frev.Sharon@epa.gov. 202-566-1480).
Additional information about advisories and fish and shellfish consumption can be found at https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech.
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