Chemically Induced Alterations in Functional Development and Reproduction of Fishes (Setac Technical Publications Series)

Twenty-one scientists gathered at the Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wisconsin, to examine the available scientific evidence on the link between exposure to synthetic chemicals and reproductive and developmental effects in fishes. A particular emphasis was placed upon the effects of chemicals during early developmental stages a period of enhanced sensitivity to the effects of chemicals at lower, environmentally relevant concentrations. A concern for the effects that chemicals in the environment are having on the stability of fish populations in both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, both alone and in combination with other anthropogenic stressors, prompted this Wingspread work session. The first chapter is a consensus statement that assesses the current threat posed to fish populations from exposure to synthetic chemicals in the environment and outlines the research needed to better assess the magnitude and scope of the threat posed to fish populations in the wild. The following twelve chapters are a combination of original research and reviews, including laboratory studies, field studies from a variety of geographic areas, and ecoepidemiological research; these chapters present cutting-edge research into the effects of endocrine-disrupting and other chemicals on reproduction and development of fishes.