Fisheries and Fish Toxicology  (Hardcover, Sandra O'Brien)

A major concept of toxicology is that the effects of a toxin are dose dependent. Even water can lead to water intoxication when taken in too high a dose, whereas for even a very toxic substance such as snake venom there is a dose below which there is no detectable toxic effect. Toxicity is species- specific, making cross species analysis problematic. Aquatic toxicology tests or toxicity tests are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data on adverse effects on aquatic organisms from a toxicant. Toxicity tests can be used to assess the potential for damage to an aquatic environment and provide a database that can be used to assess the risk associated with in a situation for a specific toxicant. Aquatic toxicology tests can be performed in the field or in the laboratory. In fisheries, development may be defined as a process of change through which sustainable and equitable improvements are made to the quality of life for all or most members of a society. Adding the need for sustainability implies that these improvements need to be achieved without risk to the long term stability of the ecosystem concerned. This book will be very useful for the students, teachers and researchers in this field.