y fish contained levels of PCB and DDT high enough to impair their reproductive capability especially the white croaker that dwells near sewage outfalls. It also showed that bioaccumulation of these materials was occurring at higher feeding levels in the chain. It is often thought that fin erosion occurs as a result of contact with contaminated sediments, however, less that one percent of fish collected near the ocean outfalls showed any signs of erosion. Epidermal tumors are also not uncommon among fish of the bay. Although it is hard to establish direct causation outfalls may contribute to tumor growth. This is because an amoeba similar to the species thought to cause the tumors is present in the sludge sediments around the outfalls. (EPA V1 III 79)Giant Kelp, which is mainly found in shallow waters near the shore, occurs throughout the Santa Monica bay. The kelp provide a habitat for over 120 plant and 700 animal species. The effluent and sludge released by the cities into the bay has been shown to have an effect on the kelp population. The waste matter causes a reduction in light penetration, which hinders photosynthesis. The toxic elements of the discharge might retard the growth of the kelp or assist its predator the sea urchin. It was discovered that between the years or 1940 and 1980 that the kelp population in Palos Verdes was inversely proportional to the emission rate of suspended solids from sewage outfalls. Since the considerable reduction in the release of suspended solids the kelp population in the bay has been recovering.There are roughly 80 different species of marine birds in the area. Most of the birds are migratory and the shoreline has but one permanent resident. The birds spend the majority of time in the water utilizing the land primarily for breeding. The birds feed on a variety of invertebrate and fish. The possibility of bioaccumulation of harmful metals and toxins such as DDT does exist but does...
