Persistent toxic substances and the health of fish communities in the Great Lakes

The role, if any, of toxic substances in bringing about changes in the productivity and status of fishery resources, is not well understood. At the 'Workshops on Persistent Toxic Substances and the Health of the Aquatic Community,' the Fish Biota Discussion Subgroup considered the issue of toxic substances by responding to the three questions addressed to it by the Workshop Organizing Committee as described earlier in the introduction to these proceedings. In responding to these questions, the Subgroup members took into account the earlier, formal presentations made during the Symposium, the published literature applicable to the subject area, and personal knowledge gained from research on Great Lakes fisheries or containments.

The major discussions, conclusions, and recommendations of the Subgroup summarized here were developed during these deliberations and are presented under the major headings of the questions asked of the Subgroup.