EFFECTS OF OIL-LADEN SEDIMENTS ON GROWTH AND HEALTH OF JUVENILE FLATFISHES

Juvenile yellowfin sole (Pleuronectes asper), rock sole (Pleuronectes bilineatus), and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) had reduced growth following 30-90 days of exposure to sediments laden with Alask a North Slope crude oil. Changes in fish health bioindicators after 90 days, i.e., increases in fin erosion, liver lipidosis, gill hyperplas ia, and gill parasites, coupled with decreases in macrophage aggregate s, occurred at hydrocarbon concentrations (1600 mu g/g) that reduced g rowth 34-56% among the flatfishes. Chronic hydrocarbon pollution of ne arshore nursery sediments could alter growth and health of juvenile fl atfishes. Recruitment of juveniles to the fishery may decline because of increased susceptibility to predation and slower growth.