Nearshore Synthesis: Sea Duck Liver Biopsy Sampling Data

These data are part of a population monitoring initiative under a series of directed research project designed to elucidate the process of, and constraints to, population recovery of Harlequin ducks in Prince William Sound post the Exon Valdez Oil Spill.

Induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) in vertebrates occurs in response to exposure
to a limited number of compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as
those found in crude oil and have been used to evaluate exposure to inducing compounds in many cases of environmental contamination, including that of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Elevated CYP1A has been demonstrated in several species in areas of Prince William Sound.

The data presented here quantifies CYP1A induction by the amount of hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufinO-deethylase (EROD) activity, which is a well-established method and is the same approach used in earlier Exxon Valdez studies and in similar studies of harlequin ducks
and other sea ducks elsewhere.

Data files contain sea duck liver biospy sample information and results of EROD activity level analyses.