"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The overall objectives of the program were broad@ as indicated below. The project was a ""first"" from several aspects with problems arising mainly in the analytical measurement of hydrocarbons in tissue and in establishing a method of representative exposure of the test species. These problems were addressed in the course of the investigations. Objectives of the program were the following: ?To determine the acute lethal effects of various oils on representative marine species. This involved establishing - criteria for selection of species@ - adequacy of the bioassay system. ?To determine sublethal and chronic effects of oil. This entailed experiments based on - chronic exposure of embryonic and larval life stages@ - accumulation of hydrocarbons in tissue and their rate of purging after exposure."