Pollution and fish diseases in the North Sea Some historical aspects

An historical account is given of pollution problems in some European countries over the period 1870-1933 and the reported effects on seafoods and the transmission of infectious diseases. Data are included on the occurrence of the principal fish diseases in the North sea over the periods 1850-1930 and 1945-1990, and on the principal disease in cod from the northwest Atlantic ocean over the periods 1925-1939 and 1977-1978. Most reports of pollution-related diseases of fish from 1850 to 1933 were restricted to freshwater bodies, estuaries, and coastal areas. Pollution-related diseases of fish in the North sea had increased in the present century, but might have been present towards the end of the 19th century. There are 53 references.