Effects of Prudhoe Bay crude oil on pacific herring (Clupea Harengus Pallasi, v.)

Abstract

Herring eggs were exposed to Prudhoe Bay crude oil for various exposure times to evaluate the potential impact of Alaskan oil on development in marine fishes. Larvae were collected upon hatching and observations were made on morphological effects of the exposure. Most abnormalities noted were associated with flexures of the spine, forcing the larvae into arched, bent, or corkscrew positions. Other abnormalities included partially formed mouth parts and frayed pectoral and caudal fins. Statistical differences in hatching success were found between the controls of the 6 day exposure group (P < 0.05). Analyses of total length and occurrence of abnormalities showed a significant difference between the controls and the 48 hr group (P < 0.05). Electron micrographs indicated external and cellular effects of exposure to the crude oil. Cellular effects consisted, principally, of vacuole formation in larvae and decomposition in eggs.