Measuring the Biological Effects of Pollution: The Mussel Watch Approach

The Mussel Watch approach to environmental monitoring is briefly described and the potentials for various biological measurements to complement the normal practice of chemical determinations are discussed. Some of the available “biological effects techniques” are illustrated by reference to a recent practical workshop at which they were tested. Certain shortcomings in the approach are considered, but the conclusion reached that wider application of available biological techniques would benefit coastal environmental quality assessment.