V. Dethlefsen et al., Influence of solar ultraviolet-B on pelagic fish embryos: osmolality, mortality and viable hatch, HELG MAR R, 55(1), 2001, pp. 45-55
Eggs of dab (Limanda limanda) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) were exper
imentally exposed to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation in a solar radiation si
mulator. The experimental design tried to simulate present and future condi
tions with reference to increased UV-B exposure due to northern hemisphere
ozone loss, employing mainly two scenarios, a reduction to 270 (S1) and to
180 (S2) Dobson units (DU) in single or repetitive exposures of 2, 4 or 6 h
. Depending on the total dose of UV-B irradiation and the developmental sta
ge, exposed eggs displayed loss of buoyancy as a sublethal effect, as well
as increased embryo mortality and reduced viable hatch. In the single expos
ure experiments only under conditions of 180 DU for 6 h were effects appare
nt. Double exposure under conditions of 270 DU did not lead to lasting effe
cts. At the sublethal effect level, i.e. loss of buoyancy, considerable pho
torepair was observed. It was concluded, that under the present general wea
ther conditions in spring and at the present levels of environmental ozone,
allowing for a reduction to 180 DU, the embryonic development of North Sea
spring spawning fish is not endangered by UV-B radiation.