New standardized test methods have been released that will help Canadian laboratories remain in compliance with the Fisheries Act.

Environment Canada has released the second edition of EPS 1/RM/27 Fertilization Assay Using Echinoids (Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars), which replaces the first edition originally published in 1992.

This standardized test method is currently required under the Fisheries Act for the Pulp and Paper and Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. Currently, private toxicology laboratories are in a period of preparation and will need to revise their in-house standard operating procedures and conduct staff training on the changes to the test methodology. 

The most significant content changes include procedural modifications as well as updated guidance and instructions to assist in performing the biological test method. For example, there are new procedures for collecting gametes to ensure only high quality sperm and eggs are used for testing and there are also new instructions for the use of revised statistics (i.e., regression analyses).

To assist Canadian laboratories in identifying the methodology changes, there are highlighted PDF versions of the complete methods.

All Biological Test Methods documents can be found on the Biological Test Methods Publication webpage.

Contact: Lisa Taylor, 613-991-4062, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division