Ecotoxicology 1,
1 (1992)
EDITORIAL
Ecotoxicology One has reservations about launching a new journal, especially at this time of economic uncertainty. Nevertheless the need for a journal devoted to ecotoxicology is strong. When initial letters about the possibility of launching of Ecotoxicology were sent around to people in the field the response was overwhelmingly favourable. Even before the publication of this first issue, the submission of papers has become a flood and we have already planned larger issues for the next volume. The omens are good, the time seems right. The aim, perhaps one should say the dream, of ecotoxicology is to understand the effect of pollutants on populations, community structure and even ecosystems. It is a dream that we have not, as yet, realised. Some of the papers in this first issue of Ecotoxicology are studies at the level of the individual organism rather than at some higher organizational level. However papers in Ecotoxicology should aim at understanding the mechanisms and processes whereby chemicals exert their effects on ecosystems and their impact at the population or the community level. We are particularly interested in fostering the link between laboratory and field studies. Comparisons betwen studies carried out under carefully controlled conditions that are possible in the laboratory and those carried out under the less controlled, but environmentally more realistic conditions in the field seem to us to be a valuable approach. If we do not always reach these goals, this reflects the state of ecotoxicology today. Nevertheless, exiting new methodologies are available to the investigator. Recent advances in the discipline of molecular biology, for example, can provide experimental tools with which to investigate key biological mechanisms that regulate the response of an organism to its environment. This is a fruitful area for ecotoxicological research, as it offers an opportunity to advance our knowledge of the effects of pollution on ecosystems more rapidly. There will be no phylogenetic barriers in Ecotoxicology. The first two issues are indeed strong on papers on birds, but we have no desire for the journal to be known as Ecoornithology. However, a look at the list of forthcoming papers should reassure our readers that this will not be a permanent feature. There will also be no geographical barriers in Ecotoxicology. Papers have been accepted from all four continents, and the broadly based Editorial Board will ensure that this approach continues and expands. We are grateful that so many distinguished ecotoxicologists have been prepared to undertake an initial three year term on the Editorial Board. The preservation of the environment is one of the most difficult tasks facing society today. The pressures to do something are immense. A decision to do too little may cause irreversible harm, while a decision to do more than necessary may waste large sums of money which could be better used elsewhere. It is not the objective of this journal to take a stance on emotional or devisive issues in this arena, rather it is our desire to ensure that those papers appearing in Ecotoxicology wilt add scientific credence to concerns about environmental issues. DAVID B. P E A K A L L LEE R. SHUGART
1 (1992)
EDITORIAL
Ecotoxicology One has reservations about launching a new journal, especially at this time of economic uncertainty. Nevertheless the need for a journal devoted to ecotoxicology is strong. When initial letters about the possibility of launching of Ecotoxicology were sent around to people in the field the response was overwhelmingly favourable. Even before the publication of this first issue, the submission of papers has become a flood and we have already planned larger issues for the next volume. The omens are good, the time seems right. The aim, perhaps one should say the dream, of ecotoxicology is to understand the effect of pollutants on populations, community structure and even ecosystems. It is a dream that we have not, as yet, realised. Some of the papers in this first issue of Ecotoxicology are studies at the level of the individual organism rather than at some higher organizational level. However papers in Ecotoxicology should aim at understanding the mechanisms and processes whereby chemicals exert their effects on ecosystems and their impact at the population or the community level. We are particularly interested in fostering the link between laboratory and field studies. Comparisons betwen studies carried out under carefully controlled conditions that are possible in the laboratory and those carried out under the less controlled, but environmentally more realistic conditions in the field seem to us to be a valuable approach. If we do not always reach these goals, this reflects the state of ecotoxicology today. Nevertheless, exiting new methodologies are available to the investigator. Recent advances in the discipline of molecular biology, for example, can provide experimental tools with which to investigate key biological mechanisms that regulate the response of an organism to its environment. This is a fruitful area for ecotoxicological research, as it offers an opportunity to advance our knowledge of the effects of pollution on ecosystems more rapidly. There will be no phylogenetic barriers in Ecotoxicology. The first two issues are indeed strong on papers on birds, but we have no desire for the journal to be known as Ecoornithology. However, a look at the list of forthcoming papers should reassure our readers that this will not be a permanent feature. There will also be no geographical barriers in Ecotoxicology. Papers have been accepted from all four continents, and the broadly based Editorial Board will ensure that this approach continues and expands. We are grateful that so many distinguished ecotoxicologists have been prepared to undertake an initial three year term on the Editorial Board. The preservation of the environment is one of the most difficult tasks facing society today. The pressures to do something are immense. A decision to do too little may cause irreversible harm, while a decision to do more than necessary may waste large sums of money which could be better used elsewhere. It is not the objective of this journal to take a stance on emotional or devisive issues in this arena, rather it is our desire to ensure that those papers appearing in Ecotoxicology wilt add scientific credence to concerns about environmental issues. DAVID B. P E A K A L L LEE R. SHUGART
