Rapid toxicity assessment and biomonitoring of marine contaminants - Exploiting the potential of rapid biomarker assays and microscale toxicity tests

There is a great need for an integrated international effort in research an d training using rapid, easy to use, biomarker and microscale ecotoxicity t echniques. These techniques must be directed, coordinated and formulated in to protocols that contribute to the prevention and reduction of marine poll ution world-wide and the improvement of ocean and human health. This need s hould be considered as urgent by marine environmental scientists, managers and policy makers throughout the world. Our paper discusses such techniques and suggests a four-point framework for advancing work towards their wider use, particularly in developing coastal nations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.