Assessing the ecological quality status of a temperate urban estuary by means of benthic biotic indices.

Benthic indices are commonly used tools for assessing the environmental quality, because they represent a simple source of scientific information. However, their performance could vary depending on the application area and perturbation types, thus they should be tested before used in other remote geographic regions. This study aims to test the use of some of the most widely common benthic biotic indices for assessing the environmental quality of Montevideo's coastal zone at a seasonal scale against many physicochemical variables. From all the evaluated indices, AMBI appears to be the most suitable one to assess the environmental quality. The study also allowed us to infer the most relevant physicochemical variables: protein, lipid and heavy metal sediment concentration. Additionally, site-specific threshold effect levels for heavy metals and biopolymers were established, which appear to be useful to determine tolerable levels of such stressors in future assessments or monitoring programs for the study area.

Alcohol policy in the English-Speaking Caribbean: a civil society perspective

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. This paper summarizes the current alcohol policies in the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC) and compares it with the WHO 'best buys', to identify gaps and opportunities for policy change. DESIGN AND METHODS: A search of internet, W.H.O. and P.A.H.O. resources, national policies obtained through communication with representatives of regional civil society, government ministries and statutory bodies. RESULTS: All ESC countries have laws governing alcohol. Broadly, there are 4 distinct ways in which alcohol is represented in policies. 1. In legislation- not directly dealing with health, but with more of a social and economic focus; 2. As a distinct national policy- recognizing the health implications of alcohol; 3. In conjunction with mental health and non communicable disease (NCD) policies; 4. In conjunction with policies addressing illegal substance use. Generally the finding was that there were gaps and opportunities for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and policy makers in the alcohol landscape. These included an opportunity to advocate for a culturally sensitive comprehensive regional policy, working to encourage wider advertising and marketing restrictions, stricter enforcement of already passed legislation, and examining and disseminating best practices already present in the region, e.g. in The Bahamas and St. Kitts/ Nevis. There are also opportunities for greater restrictions for on-/off-premise sales, time and location restrictions, and institution of national maximum legal blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) when driving a vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant gaps in alcohol policy regionally. These represent opportunities for CSO.