Abstract
Three species of Neogastropod snails were assessed as indicators of organotin (TBT) pollution around New Zealand. Imposex, a condition in which females develop a penis, was induced in two dogwhelks, Lepsiella scobina and L. albomarginata, exposed to low levels of TBT. The relative penis size (RPS) in female dogwhelks was used to survey TBT pollution. Imposex was found at all sites close to permanent mooring areas and in bays with a high seasonal input of pleasure craft. It was absent only on open coastal sites or in isolated bays with no boats. In harbour areas the RPS decreased with increasing distance from mooring sites and marinas. At three sites imposex was present in 1988 but not in 1970–1971 before the use of organotin antifoulants.
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