Study finds causes for mutant bass in Susquehanna River
By Don Hopey / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Susquehanna River’s decade-long mutant bass mystery moved a cast closer to a solution with the release of study findings that for the first time identified herbicides and endocrine-disrupting compounds from agricultural sources as likely causes.
The multi-year study released Monday by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also found that pathogens and parasites are probable contributors to the mutations and population decline afflicting what was once one of the best bass fisheries in the eastern U.S.
“This study does not identify a single smoking gun. But it does point the way toward likely causes, which we will continue to pursue,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley, who said the complexity of the lengthy river system has challenged researchers.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/12/15/Study-finds-causes-for-mutant-bass-in-Susquehanna-River/stories/201512150103
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