VARIATION OF ORGANOCHLORINE RESIDUES WITH LENGTH IN THE EDIBLE PART OF MACKEREL (SCOMBER-SCOMBRUS) FROM DIFFERENT FISHING GROUNDS

Data on the contamination level of organochlorine residues in the edib le part of mackerel from eight different fishing grounds in the North Sea and the waters to the west and south of the British Isles are pres ented. Correlation with length and fat content is given for each fishi ng ground. Mackerel from the German Eight showed distinct accumulation correlated with length of PCB congeners 101, 118, 138, 153, 180 and o f the pesticide metabolite p,p'-DDE. Mackerel from all other fishing g rounds did not exhibit this. The results are discussed with respect to age, fat content and biological significance.