Endocrine Disruption

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) provides world-class science to inform natural resource decisions on aquatic ecosystems, species populations and management, disease, and invasive species. Our scientific products represent critical contributions that enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of recreational and commercial fishing. In the United States, anglers contribute...

Issue The USGS has a long-term research effort that identified endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass (SMB) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Endocrine disruption can cause many changes in fish, including intersex characteristics where fish develop characteristics of the other sex, such as immature eggs forming in males. An overview by USGS of endocrine disruption in fish found the condition...

Issue Partners in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) are implementing best management practices (BMPs) to prevent nutrient and sediment from entering waterways across the Chesapeake watershed and reduce loads to the Bay. In addition to reducing nutrients, CBP partners want to better understand how BMPs can provide additional benefits for addressing toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, hormones...

This project, in collaboration with the NJ Pinelands Commission and the USGS NJ Water Center, is evaluating potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals from point and nonpoint sources in the Pinelands Area, a research cluster as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.

Human and Ecological Health Impacts Associated with Water Reuse and Conservation Practices

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds with the potential to interfere with normal endocrine communication in organisms.