Age and size dependent chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in marine teleosts

Age and length dependent concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons in several Baltic and North Sea fish have been determined. Over a range of 15 years chlorinated hydrocarbons have been determined in ovary and muscle of herring, flounder, dab, whiting and horse mackerel. It is concluded, that generally no increase in accumulation occurs with age or size. The release of eggs, and to a certain extent also the sperm, has a purging effect that prevents excessive accumulation in potentially sensitive compartments of the fish body.