Results of the 1984-85 National Benthic Surveillance Project: West Coast

Bottomfish and sediments were collected from 18 sites including a number of reference sites on the U.S. West Coast during the first year of the multiyear National Benthic Surveillance Project. Sediments and fish were analyzed for toxic chemicals, and fish were examined for diseases. Wide variations in the concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons (AH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), DDT and related compounds, and selected metals in sediments were found within locations ( i .e., embayments in the vicinity of major cities) and between locations. Concentrations of chemicals in tissues were generally less variable than those in sediments, apparently reflecting the ability of fish to integrate chemical sources over large geographical areas. Prevalences of diseases (i.e., fin erosion and liver lesions) were usually highest in fish exposed to the highest levels of environmental contaminants.