Distribution, abundance, morphological condition, and cytogenetic abnormalities of larval herring in Prince William Sound, Alaska, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Pacific herring larvae collected in Prince William Sound two to three months after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, were studied. Since larvae may have been exposed to oil as embryos in contaminated spawning areas, it was impossible to show conclusively the effects of exposure to Exxon Valdez oil. The fact remains, however, that many larvae collected in 1989 exhibited symptoms associated with oil exposure in laboratory experiments or in other oil spills. The most frequently observed abnormalities were morphological deformations, genetic damage, and small size. The severe aberration rates observed in 1989 have not been observed in Prince William Sound or Alaskan herring since 1989. For example, a study conducted in May 1995 found jaw and cytogenetic development to be normal and significantly different from those in larvae collected in 1989. Further monitoring was recommended to produce conclusive proof. 52 refs., 7 tabs., 3 figs