Sublethal effects of a new antifouling candidate on lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) larvae

• Sublethal effects of medetomidine, a new generation antifouling compound, on lumpfish ( Cyclopterus lumpus L.) and cod ( Gadus morhua L.) larvae were examined. The effects on respiration rate and on colour adaptation of newly hatched larvae were assessed after 24-96 h exposure. Exposure of lumpfish larvae to the experimental concentrations resulted in a significant decrease in respiration rate (Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) = 5-10 nM) and in the percentage of dark larvae (LOEC = 4 nM). However, no effects on respiration rate of cod larvae were detected. In addition to lumpfish larvae being affected at low concentrations of medetomidine, a reversibility of the effects was observed when 96 h-exposed larvae were incubated in clean seawater for 24-48 h. Considerations relating to the future commercialisation of medetomidine for antifouling purposes are discussed.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Cyclopterus lumpus

Gadus morhua

antifouling

medetomidine

respiration

colour adaptation

PAINT BOOSTER BIOCIDES

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

FISH MELANOPHORES

MEDETOMIDINE

AGGREGATION

IMPACT

TBT

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)