Thousands of articles are published annually on how pollutants and human disturbances affect marine organisms and ecosystems. This review, the latest of dozens of past annual reviews conducted by Office of Response and Restoration scientists and private sector associates, comments on 212 selected articles on subjects ranging from laboratory toxicity and challenge studies to field surveys and observations on polluting, damaging and mitigating activities around the world. Specific topics include effects of physical disturbances, oil spills, wastewater discharges, marine debris, artificial night lighting, noise, dredging and dumping, and field survey methods. Additional sections cover chemical toxicity testing, biomarkers, and laboratory studies on the effects of dispersants and dispersed oil. The review is limited to effects, not sources, fates or transport of pollutants. Of the six reviewers, three are current or recent NOAA Office of Response and Restoration scientists. The review is open access.

For further information, contact Alan.Mearns@noaa.gov.

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