Meeting Abstract

44.4  Jan. 6  Location-associated Differences in Sex Steroid Levels in Flatfish of the Santa Monica Bay, California � Human-derived Sources? PETSCHAUER, D.M.**; REYES, J.A.; KELLEY, K.M.; California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Long Beach drgnfly0602@aol.com

Santa Monica Bay (SMB) is utilized extensively for both recreational and commercial purposes, and it receives input of treated wastewater from two of the larger wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the world, highlighting this marine bay as an at-risk area for potential human-derived impacts. Over the last few years, we have observed that flatfish sampled within SMB exhibit significantly higher circulating concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (E2) than do fish from other locations in the Southern California Bight. Therefore, this field-based endocrine study has aimed to determine whether elevated E2 levels in flatfish, particularly in males, are associated with their proximity to a significant WWTP outfall location within SMB, and whether environmental delivery of exogenous E2, from outfalls, may represent a possible mechanism underlying elevated E2 levels in wild fish. Data on E2, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone levels will be presented for Pacific sanddab (Citharicthys sordidus), an important species from commercial and recreational standpoints, and on the hornyhead turbot (Pleuronichthys verticalis), a species emphasized in regional ocean monitoring programs, and these will be discussed with respect to the potential environmental factors involved. [Supported by Southern California Sea Grant Program NOAA#NA06OAR4170012].