Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can alter endocrine and reproductive development in wildlife and humans. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) World Heritage Area is chronically exposed to agricultural run-off containing pesticides that include known endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). First, to examine potential endocrine disruption in wild fish species, we collected juvenile (putatively male) barramundi (Lates calcarifer) and juvenile (putatively female) coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus and P. maculatus) across the GBR regionduring the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons. InAustralia, both species contribute significantly to the commercial, recreational and indigenous fisheries. Collections were conducted after floodwaters had discharged into the GBR lagoon, potentially exposing juvenile fish to agricultural run-off and associated EDCs. Second, to examine the role of commercial pesticide formulations in causing altered expression levels of well-known biomarkers in both species, we exposed juvenile barramundi to technical grade and commercial formulations of registered and detected pesticides, namely atrazine and diuron, in controlled laboratory experiments. Combined, we present the results on (i) brain aromatase (CYP19B) transcript abundance, (ii) liver vitellogenin (vtg) transcript abundance, (iii) plasma concentrations of testosterone and estradiol, (iv) gonad and liver histology, and (v) oxidative stress response. Ours is the first study to demonstrate a quantitative association between levels of vtg expression in wild fish and pesticide concentrations in rivers, and a potential link to upstream agricultural land use. We discuss these findings in the context of potential implications for catchment management and wild fisheries, and make recommendations for future research.

Altered expression levels of vitellogenin gene in two Great Barrier Reef fisheries species

248th National Meeting (2014)

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