Unusual male size vs sperm count relationships in a coastal marine amphipod indicate reproductive impairment by unknown toxicants

Sperm quantity/quality are significant reproductive endpoints with clear links to population level dynamics. Amphipods important model organisms in environmental toxicology. Despite this, field monitoring of male fertility invertebrates has rarely been used programs. The aim this study was compare sperm quality/quantity an amphipod collected at six UK locations differing water quality. Due low counts and observed lack relationship between count weight amphipods from a nationally protected conservation area (Langstone Harbour, England), we also compared datasets site over decade determine the temporal significance finding. One collection evaluate female endpoint performed site. Interestingly, harbour consistently presented some lowest comparable highly industrial sites eggs number females. all sites, except Langstone strong positive correlations weight. Given Harbour several international national statutes primarily for marine life birds, our results indicate that E. marinus, one food component wading might be impacted by unknown stressors. These stressors maybe related agricultural runoff, leachate historical landfills effluent storm overflows. This highlights importance exploring new such as