Published in J. Environ. Qual. 33:1584-1585 (2004).
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BOOK REVIEW
Effects of Pollution on Fish
Molecular Effects and Population Responses
Colleen A. Caldwell
USGS Biological Resources New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Las Cruces, NM 88003
(ccaldwel{at}nmsu.edu)
Edited by Andrew J. Lawrence and Krystal L. Hemingway, Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX420DQ, United Kingdom. 2003. 342 p. $154.99 hardcover. ISBN 0-632-06406-4.
Within any discipline, there are conceptual models developed to describe mechanistic linkages. One such conceptual model within the field of environmental toxicology is the continuum concept that describes the effects that environmental stressors (natural or anthropogenic) have on the various hierarchical levels of biological organization. This model is used to describe how changes are manifested from the molecular, cellular, tissue, organism, population, community, and ultimately to the ecosystem level through time. This conceptual theme is central for this text and is developed throughout nine chapters with the overall goal to demonstrate linkage between various hierarchical levels of biological response in fish to pollutants. This text is the result of an effort by many European scientists who provide an integration of the effects of pollutants on already over-exploited marine fisheries stocks. In a seamless style, each chapter provides an extensive review of the current scientific literature with information gaps and suggestions for future research. Chapter 1 introduces the complexity of the conceptual model with the overall goal to determine the effects of pollutants on socioeconomic policy in European countries. Chapter 2 reviews mutations of genetic damage and their link to molecular responses in fish. Chapter 3 reviews the impact that pollutants have on molecular and cellular processes and the physiological consequences. Of interest is the discussion pertaining to the direct effects pollutants have on energy reallocation and the consequences of protein turnover in fish. Chapter 4 follows nicely with the effect that pollutants have on the health of fish. Homeostatic or acclimation responses are suggested as early warning indicators of pollutant effects and that compensatory mechanisms should be considered when evaluating the impacts of a contaminant. Chapter 5 reviews the impact pollutants have on reproduction. The authors begin the chapter with a discussion on endocrine disruption and review the potential effect chemicals have in altering reproductive potential of fish populations through altered sex ratios, altered life history strategies, reduced recruitment, and altered behavior. Chapter 6 moves up one step in the continuum to present the effects of pollutants on populations and communities. The authors deliver the message that pollution is not the only environmental pressure on marine fish populations and that there is very little direct evidence of pollution effects at the population level. Chapter 7 presents the effects of pollutants on population genetics. The authors begin with general concepts of population genetics and their relevance to ecotoxicology. In this chapter, we learn that very little empirical evidence exists to link causal mechanisms with selective pressures that are manifested in changes at the population and community level. Chapter 8 attempts to link pollutants with fish population ecology and the impacts on socioeconomic and human health. We learn that the predominant socioeconomic effect is overfishing, which apparently plagues the commercial fishing industry of European countries. Pollutants may simply add to the burden by altering fish palatability making them less desirable to consumers. Chapter 9 discusses the role of modeling in fish ecotoxicology. Although European fish stocks are in a decline due to overfishing, the view of the authors is that long-term sublethal effects of pollutants may adversely affect the health of fish stocks and thus compound the effects of overfishing. Although this chapter is specific for European countries with an economic interest in commercial fisheries, the authors present several interesting case studies, the long-term ecological impacts, and the socioeconomic effects. Although the focus of this text is centered on the impact of pollutants in marine systems of European countries, the information it conveys is useful for anyone interested in ecotoxicological effects of aquatic systems.
