EURL ECVAM Strategy to replace, reduce and refine the use of fish in aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation testing

Abstract

The assessment of aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation are important components of the environmental hazard and risk assessment of all types of chemicals and are therefore included in several pieces of European Union and international legislation. In this document, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) outlines approaches which will deliver an impact on the replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) of fish tests used for aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation testing. The document is based on an assessment of the regulatory needs for these endpoints, the scientific state-of-the art and recent activities in these areas. It highlights ongoing efforts at research, validation, guideline development and regulatory level. The proposed strategy is also intended to provide a framework for the prioritisation of alternative test methods submitted to EURL ECVAM for validation. Implementation of the strategy will rely on the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders. EUROPEAN COMMISSION JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE Institute for Health and Consumer Protection Systems Toxicology Unit EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) EURL ECVAM Strategy to replace, reduce and refine the use of fish in aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation testing Marlies Halder, Aude Kienzler, Maurice Whelan and Andrew Worth