Cytochrome P4501A Induction in Sea Ducks Inhabiting Nearshore Areas of Prince William Sound, Alaska, US Fish and Wildlife, USGS, 1996

In this study, researchers measured PA450 1A responses in Barrow’s goldeneye from oiled and unoiled area of PWS, eight to nine year after the spill, to assess potential continuing exposure of these sea duck species to Exxon-Valdez oil. Due to their occurrence in nearshore habitats and consumption of benthic invertebrate prey, Barrow’s goldeneyes are particularly susceptible to continued exposre to residual Exxon-Valdez oil and thus, are potentially vulnerable to subsequent physiological and population level effects. Continued oil exposure through 1997 was indicated by higher induction of cytochrome P450 1A in birds from oiled areas than unoiled.