Issue 17: Decreased viability of stocks through contamination and disease

Diseases in individual fish/shellfish are not rare. Opportunistic microorganisms constantly exert selective pressures on the most vulnerable individuals within fish populations. However, diseases involving large numbers of fish are being reported with increasing frequency.

Significant environmental anomalies, harmful algal blooms (HABs) and high levels of chemical pollutants can render entire populations vulnerable to infection which can potentially have physiological and ecological impacts on animal populations.

GIWA definition

This issue refers to contamination of feral stocks of fish or invertebrates as a result of human-induced contamination or of diseases that are a direct or indirect consequence of human action.

Environmental impacts

1. Possible physiological and ecological impacts on animal populations through chronic contamination

Indicators

The following are environmental impact indicators for decreased viability of stocks through contamination and disease.

Select the environmental impact indicators that are relevant from the list below and input data into the appropriate indicator sheets.

Fisheries

Biological effects

Map and satellite derived

Biological

Seagrass

Coral reef

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