An introduction to studies on the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the early life history stages of Pacific herring, Cluea Pallasi, in Prince William Sound, Alaska

Pacific herring in Prince William Sound, Alaska were studied in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill to determine damage done to the herring stock, including population effects. Most of the research was concentrated on spawning herring because (1) spawning herring are sensitive to hydrocarbons and cannot metabolize them, (2) oil is lipophilic, hence it tends to concentrate in the lipid-rich eggs, and (3) oil uptake in adult female herrings affects their eggs and newly hatched larvae. Between 1989 and 1992 studies focused on sublethal effects. During 1993 and 1994 the focus was on pathology studies, spurred on by a documented outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia in the herring population. Current studies concentrate on mutagenic effects of exposure to oil, especially in the early life stages. 38 refs., 1 tab., 1 fig