Fishery of Chelidonichthys lucerna (Linnaeus, 1758) in portuguese northwest atlantic coast: Exploratory baseline study

Biological parameters (Sex, Total Length, Total Weight, Gonad Weight and Sexual Maturation Phase) and total metal (Cd, Hg and Pb) concentrations were assessed in fish species Chelidonichthys lucerna (LINNAEUS, 1758) from Portuguese northwest (NW) Atlantic coast during January to May 2008. Metals were determined in muscle tissues by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The main objectives of this work were: (i) study temporal variations and correlations between biological parameters and metals during fishing season; (ii) classify the ecological quality of Portuguese coast based on metals in this fish species and (iii) assess human health risks associated with their consumption. Biological parameters showed significant temporal variations (p< 0.05; Total Length: F(5, 14)=6.24; Total Weight: F(5, 14)=8.42; Gonad Weight: F(5, 14)=1.84), except Sexual Maturation Phase. Metal concentrations (µg.kg-1 , dry basis) ranged: (i) Cd: <2.0 – 89.1; (ii) Hg: <20.0 – 1044 and (iii) Pb: <4.8 – 403. Only Cd showed significant temporal variations (p< 0.05; Cd: F(5, 14)=29.84): January = April << February = March = May. No significant (p > 0.05) correlations were obtained between any biological parameter and metals of C. lucerna. Although high metal concentrations in C. lucerna suggested anthropogenic contamination, according European Regulations Nº 1881/2006 and 629/2008, Portuguese coast was classified as “Unpolluted” during January – May 2008. Indeed, health risk assessment study showed that there was no potential human health risks associated with the consumption of C. lucerna from Portuguese seawaters