Chemicals Affecting the Spawning Migration of Anadromous Fish by Causing Avoidance Responses or Orientational Disability, with Special Reference to Concentrations in the River Rhine

摘要

Ecotoxicological water quality objectives have recently been proposed in the Netherlands for approximately 300 compounds, using data on acute and chronic toxicity to e.g. algae, crustaceans and fishes (Stortelder et al. 1989). The data may be a useful instrument in substantiating the desirability of discharge reductions. However, in establishing these water quality objectives, effects of chemicals on the spawning migration of anadromous fish have not been taken into account. The objective of this literature study is to establish whether present-day, expectable or conceivable concentrations of selected pollutants or other compounds in the River Rhine can affect the spawning migration of anadromous fishes in such a way that survival chances of fish populations are diminished seriously. To achieve this, observations on avoidance of contaminants by fish (chapter 3) and on functional and histopathological damage to the olfactory organ caused by pollutants (chapter 4) have been reviewed.