The Value and Validity of Community-based Research: TBT Contamination of the North Sea

Data collected by volunteers in a survey of imposex in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus from North Sea coasts correlated closely with independent measures made by an experienced scientist. There had been significant recovery from imposex since an earlier survey in 1991, even in populations which had been classified as sterile at that time. The study has attracted media attention, and may therefore have had some impact on the current debate on the need to regulate further (or ban altogether) the use of TBT-based anti-fouling paints.