ABSTRACT
Since 1977, the California State Water Resources Control Board has supported the California Mussel Watch Program. This program, conducted under contract by the Department of Fish and Game, consists of two studies: the Marine Monitoring and Surveillance Program and the Biological Effects Assessment (BEA) Study. The former is an inventory of the chemical tissue burden of mussels from several sites along the California coastline and major bays. The latter assesses the health of the mussels by using a physiological stress index, Scope for Growth. Analysis of the results of both studies shows a correlation between elevated tissue burdens and decreased SFG. This paper presents the methodology and the results of the Biological Effects Assessment Study. It also outlines the plans for future study and explains how the results of the BEA could be used by the State Board in its capacity as a regulatory agency responsible for the protection of the marine ecosystem.
