Marine Scientists Meet in TCD to Discuss Ocean Contamination

Posted on: 26 March 2010

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recently held the first Irish Working Group on Biological Effects of Contaminants (WGBEC) meeting in TCD, hosted by the School of Natural Sciences’ Department of Zoology.  The group, which is made up of international experts, focused on biological effects monitoring in order to assess the impact of contaminants on the marine environment.

During the meeting, members of the working group discussed some of the most challenging issues of today’s marine science.  One issue of particular concern that arose was the effect of the longevity and toxicity of contaminants, some of which can induce effects in marine species that can render species sterile.  Current projects in the department of Zoology are focussing on the destructive effects of contaminants on the delicate marine ecosystem and the relationship between both conventional and emerging contaminants of concern on the marine environment.

Speaking about the event Professor James Wilson, Head of the Department of Zoology said: “This meeting presents an excellent opportunity for academics and researchers of Zoology at TCD to forge links and collaborations with prestigious international institutions.  It is also important for Ireland to be represented at this working group in order to further develop Ireland’s capacity for bio-effects monitoring.”  Along with the issue of marine litter, Professor Wilson’s project, Biological Effects and Chemical Measurements for the Assessment of Pollution in Irish Marine Waters, was of particular interest to the group due to its focus on the linking of biomarkers at various organisation levels with chemical analysis in order to assess the quality status of the marine environment.

The ICES is the world’s largest marine science and advisory body and has more than 100 expert groups.  The WGBEC meets annually in order to produce guidelines, and evaluates both current and novel biological effects methodology for monitoring.