Evidence of silver eels contamination by microcystin-LR at the onset of their seaward migration: what consequences for breeding potential?

Thirty migrating silver eels Anguilla anguilla were collected in a river system where algal blooms occurred yearly. Fifty per cent of eel livers were contaminated by microcystin-LR (mean +/- S.D. toxin level: 28.1 +/- 22.4 ng g(-1)). Contaminated silver (v. healthy) eels had lower fish condition. Consequences of this impact for the breeding potential of these migrating eels are discussed. (c) 2008 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2008 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.