Research Product

Research projects are continuing to refine older techniques and develop new methods for evaluating the effects of synthetic organic pesticides on marine biota and detecting the presence of pesticide pollution in the environment. Substantial progress is being made in methods for detecting the organophosphate compounds which are both highly toxic and relatively transitory in the estuary. The screening program is being broadened to include more test on microscopic plants that serve as food for oyster larvae, as well as tests on the larvae themselves. Modernization of an existing structure has added 1600 feet of efficient laboratory facilities for this microbiological work. Additional fiberglass tanks have been installed outdoors to increase our holding facilities for the shrimp and fish used in bioassay work. During the year, laboratory staff members discussed pesticide problems and research progress at six meetings in the Gulf states. Twelve research reports were published or approved for publication.