The impact of chemical pollution on the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from a Mediterranean hypersaline coastal lagoon.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a critically endangered species. The impact of environmental contamination on this species has been highlighted as contributing to the decline in recruitment. The Mar Menor hypersaline coastal lagoon (SE Spain) is one of the most productive fisheries of European eel in Europe, making it a critical habitat for species conservation.

Organochlorine residues in muscle of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from four Spanish Mediterranean wetlands and coastal lagoons.

European eels (Anguilla anguilla) are an endangered species throughout their range, and chlorine organic compounds are some of the most important pollutants for marine species. Data on contaminants in eel stocks remain incomplete, so organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in muscle of European eels from four Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems were analyzed. COPs are presents in eels from all areas, but some compounds are not detected: HCH α, β and γ (lindane), endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, and PCBs 28, 52 and 180.

European eels and heavy metals from the Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain).

Heavy metal pollution is related to the fall in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) populations. The Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain) is home to an endangered population of this species, which is still caught for human consumption. The presence of Pb, Cd and Hg in the livers and muscles and the Se:Hg ratio in muscle of 150 eels from this lagoon were determined.

Can inorganic elements affect herpesvirus infections in European eels?

In combination, pollution and pathogens represent a serious threat to the health of European eels that has been increasingly recognized. Thus, the impact of contaminants, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium, on anguillid herpesvirus 1 infection in wild European eels has been evaluated. Despite the small sample size, results indicate that selenium and mercury concentrations may compromise the European eel immune system as herpesvirus infection was more prevalent in specimens with higher Hg and Se hepatic concentrations.

Occurrence of Anisakis and Hysterothylacium larvae in commercial fish from Balearic Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea).

This study investigates the occurrence of anisakids and raphidascarids in commercial fish from Balearic Sea (Western Mediterranean). A total of 335 fish including 19 black anglerfish (Lophius budegassa), 33 white anglerfish (L. piscatorius), 129 European hake (Merluccius merluccius), 30 red mullet (Mullus barbatus), and 124 striped mullet (M.