Using acoustic telemetry to quantify potential contaminant exposure of Vermilion Rockfish (Sebastes miniatus), Hornyhead Turbot (Pleuronichthys verticalis), and White Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) at wastewater outfalls in southern California

Contaminant Exposure Models (CEMs) were developed to predict population-level tissue contaminant concentrations in fishes by pairing sediment-bound contaminant concentrations (DDTs, PCBs) and fine-scale acoustic telemetry data from a habitat-associated species (Vermilion Rockfish, Sebastes miniatus), nomadic flatfish species (Hornyhead Turbot, Pleuronichthys verticalis), and nomadic benthic/midwater schooling species (White Croaker, Genyonemus lineatus) tagged near wastewater outfalls in southern California. Model results were compared to contaminant concentrations in tissue samples. The CEMs developed require further refinement before implementation into management efforts but may act as steppingstones to help shift primary monitoring methods away from the regular field collection of fish for tissue contaminant analyses and towards behavioral modeling and habitat mapping. We also developed Kernel Density Estimates that can be used by managers immediately to identify regions that contribute most to contaminant exposure in species of concern. Prioritizing remediation efforts in these areas are likely to be most effective at improving fish health.

Automated summary

Contaminant Exposure Models (CEMs) were developed to predict fish tissue contaminant concentrations by pairing sediment-bound contaminant concentrations with fine-scale acoustic telemetry data. These models may help shift monitoring methods and prioritize remediation efforts for improving fish health.