EthoCRED: a framework to guide reporting and evaluation of the relevance and reliability of behavioural ecotoxicity studies
Incorporating behaviour into environmental protection
Behaviour represents the connection between an organism and its environment, meaning that behavioural disruptions can have far-reaching ecological and evolutionary consequences. Behaviour can also be particularly sensitive to disruption by contaminant exposure. However, uptake of behavioural data in risk assessment and regulation has to date been limited.
EthoCRED is a tool for assessing the relevance and reliability of behavioural ecotoxicity data. The EthoCRED method has been designed as an extension of the Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data (CRED) project, and is able to be readily implemented into regulatory frameworks to allow better integration of knowledge gained from behavioural testing into environmental protection.
The EthoCRED method
EthoCRED comprises 14 relevance criteria and 29 reliability criteria with which to evaluate behavioural ecotoxicity studies. We also provide reporting recommendations for researchers, comprising 72 specific aspects to consider when reporting behavioural ecotoxicity studies. Here, you can find all of the materials associated with the EthoCRED project.
Additional resources
The EthoCRED method was designed to serve as an extension of the Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data (CRED) project, and is therefore connected to various other initiatives aimed at improving the usability of ecotoxicological data in chemical risk assessment and management. Here, you can find links to these other resources.
Questions about EthoCRED?
While the EthoCRED criteria are accompanied by extensive guidance material, it is also recommended to consult with an expert when evaluating certain aspects of behavioural studies. Contact us with questions on how to implement the EthoCRED evaluation method.
The EthoCRED framework was conceived at a workshop organised by the German Environment Agency and Stockholm University.
Financial support for the project was provided by the Swedish Research Council Formas, the Kempe Foundations, the Marie-Claire Cronstedt Foundation, the Australian Research Council, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
Using EthoCRED in
your work?
Working in risk assessment, regulation, academia, etc? Fill out our online form to let us know whether and how EthoCRED has been useful in your work!