A research strategy for investigating the ecological significance of endocrine disruption: report of a UK workshop

In May 1997 the MRC Institute for Environment and Health hosted an expert, multidisciplinary workshop on the ecological effects of endocrine disruptio n, focusing on reproductive function, to identify research priorities. Part icular objectives were to discuss the potential for effects at organisation al levels higher than that of the individual (i.e. population, community an d ecosystem levels), the range of taxa that may plausibly be susceptible, a nd our current knowledge of the environmental fate and behaviour of potenti al endocrine disrupters. The conclusions of this workshop are reported, wit h particular reference to a research strategy developed to ultimately addre ss the significance of endocrine disruption at the level of the population. Specific research project areas considered to be of particular importance to the UK situation are also presented. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. ALI rights reserved.