Stress-Related Bioindicator Anomalies in Feral Male Winter Flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) Exposed to Effluent from Two Pulp and Paper Mills in Newfoundland.

The article cites a study conducted to ascertain the effect of the effluent on a number of biological variables including gonadal development in male winter flounder in the latter part of summer when induction occurs. It compared variables between samples collected near two mills and five reference sites. Significant differences in selected biological variables were observed in male winter flounder sampled near the two pulp and paper mills when compared to the reference sites. Macroscopic observations revealed that the percentage of skin lesions, consisting of fin necrosis and/or epidermal ulcers, metacercariae of Cryptocotyle lingua encapsulated in the epidermis and discoloration in the liver were significantly greater in fish sampled near the two mills at Birchy PulpCove and Port Harmon than at the reference locations.