Morphological abnormalities in gonads of the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) in the northern Baltic Sea.

Abstract

<p>Reproductive disorders are a major environmental concern in the Baltic Sea, due to heavy anthropogenic influence and long- and short-term variations taking place in the natural environment. We report here an increasing prevalence of gonadal malformations in the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras),a key species of the Baltic ecosystem and important in commercial fishery.<br /></p>