Copper is a trace element necessary for the normal growth and metabolism of living organisms. If exceeds its limit it becomes pollutant and causes pathological effects. Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) was exposed to sublethal concentrations of copper for 28 days and histopathological alterations were noticed in the gill, liver, muscle and intestine. Epithelial necrosis, hypertrophy, rupture of gill epithelium and haemorrhage at primary lamellae were observed after 7 days of exposure. Lifting of epithelium, oedema and fusion of adjacent secondary lamellae were conspicuous at 28 days of exposure. The experimental liver tissue showed reduction in the size of hepatocytes, vacuolisation, and hypertrophy. The intestine displayed fused microvilli, sloughing of mucus membrane and swollen cells. Muscle bundles with severe oedema and their thickening and separation were more pronounced in sublethal treatment of copper in the muscle. Several histopathological changes observed in various fish organs would serve a useful purpose in evaluating the toxic effects of copper. The present study clearly demonstrated that all the treated body organs exhibited significant damage with response; amongst the body organs the liver is an important target organ for copper toxicity in L. calcarifer and this species could be possibly used as a model organism for toxicity studies.

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Anthropogenic debris has become a source of considerable interest and concern due to their biological effects both in and out of the water. Coastal debris is one of the realistic visual negative impacts of human activities on marine habitat and environment. In order to assess the nature, extent and source of litter, point survey was conducted along the Obhur coastline of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Most of the litter appeared to be from local land-based sources, although there were some regional influences as well. More than 75% of the litter was plastic origin and the rest were from wood, metal, glass, and paper materials. The type of litter components (empty cans of food, beverages, cosmetics, hand bags, cloths, rubber mattresses and toys) indicate that these were left by beach goers. Remnants of fishing crafts and gear were comparatively less. The survey result was compared with the coastal litter reported in other regions of the world. Abundance of litter m-1was indicated at 1.72- 12.54 items for Obhur beach study area. Litter quantity on the coast is inversely proportional to its geographical distance to a population and directly proportional to visitor frequency. Public education and awareness on waste disposal was found essential to protect the coastal environment.

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