Perturbations in the reproduction cycle of some harpacticoid copepod species further to the Amoco Cadiz oil spill

Abstract

The reproductive activity of eight harpacticoid copepod species (Canuella perplexa, Harpacticusflexus, Robertsonia celtica, Amphiascoides debilis, Amphiascoides debilis limicolus, Kliopsyllus constrictus, Paraleptastacus espinulatus and Asellopsis intermedia) was observed from 1978 to 1984 on three sandy beaches of Brittany (France) polluted by the 'Amoco Cadiz' oil spill. Species density, mean percentages of ovigerous females and of juveniles from the period of maximum pollution were compared to those of one or two years characteristic of the post-recovery period.During the year of maximum pollution (1979) the spring peak of density came often later than normal and was generally lower. The main effect of the pollution was on the reproduction cycles of the species. There was often a delay of one month or more in the appearance and peaks of both ovigerous females and juveniles. Moreover, the latter were often missing during strategic months of the usual reproduction period. The recovery generally occurred in 1980 or 1981.

Fates and Effects of Oil Spills

“…Bodin (34) studied eight species of copepods on sandy beaches for six years following the Amoco Cadiz spill, looking at reproductive activity. The first (toxic) phase, lasting a few weeks, resulted in a drastic reduction in animal densities.…”

Effects of pollution on saltwater organisms

“…Although the 1979 Amoco Cadiz oil spill in France caused reduced reproduction in up to eight species of sandy beach harpacticoid copepods, reproduction returned to normal in 1-2 years. 135 Recent oil spills in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic areas may be causing sublethal effects on various species of penguins, compared to control birds; oiled Adellie penguins had significantly reduced heart rate, body temperature, and energy expenditure.l'" The high-pressure hot water washing of the oiled beaches after the Exxon Valdez oil spill resulted in increased damage to marine life. 137 Application of inorganic fertilizers enhanced the natural rate of oil biodegradation on oiled shorelines':" but did not nee-…”