Interim Report of the Working Group on the Biological Effects of Contaminants (WGBEC)

The Working Group on the Biological Effects of Contaminants (WGBEC), chaired by Bjørn Einar Grøsvik (NO) and Ketil Hylland (NO), met in Reykjavik, Iceland, 13–17 March 2017. There were 13 attendees through the week, representing 8 countries, in addition two invited speakers from the University of Iceland.WGBEC aims to address effects of chemical stressors on the marine environment and subsequent consequences for human health and resource use, taking into account other stressors and environmental factors. The group aims to develop, evaluate and quality assure methods and frameworks for environmental quality.WGBEC raison d´être and communication with other expert groupsWGBEC is currently extending its activities to also encompass issues relevant to human health, in addition to progressing with seabirds and marine mammals, with an aim to address ecosystem-wide impacts of contaminants.ToR a) Review effects of chronic oil exposure on marine organisms. WGBEC members are working on a review to be submitted by the end of 2017, led by Bjørn Einar Grøsvik (NO).