Texas Project
Incidence and characterization of intersex, testicular tumors, and reproductive condition in common carp as indicators of water quality and fish health in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
May 2010 - September 2012
Personnel
Participating Agencies
- Nevada Water Science Center
Earlier studies of Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAME) provided information indicating that endocrine disruption is still occurring in fish from Las Vegas Wash and Bay. A more recent study indicated the occurrence of gonadal tumors in male common carp from Willow Beach. The goal of this proposed study is to characterize the incidence of testicular abnormalities male fish from LAME. Estimates will be determined on the extent as well as the spatial distribution of the problem. Additionally, relevant biomarkers of sperm quality will be provided, including markers of DNA damage. This information cannot be extracted from previous studies because they were not designed to address the relevant questions. Therefore, the objectives of this proposed study are to: 1. Determine the extent of gonadal anomalies in male common carp populations; 2. Determine the spatial distribution of these anomalies within LAME; 3. Determine associations between gonadal anomalies and sperm quality