The withdrawing Arctic ice edge will facilitate future sea transport and exploration activities in the area,
which calls for the establishment of relevant cold water monitoring species. The present study presents
first results of field baseline levels for core oil pollution biomarkers in Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) sam-
pled from pristine, Arctic waters. Furthermore, biomarker response levels were characterized in con-
trolled laboratory exposure experiments running over 2 weeks. Fish exposed to a simulated petrogenic
spill (1 ppm dispersed, crude oil) exhibited elevated hepatic EROD activity, bile PAH-metabolites, and
hepatic DNA-adducts, whereas male individuals exposed to simulated produced water (30 ppb nonylphe-
nol) exhibited a strong induction of plasma vitellogenin. In conclusion, the results demonstrated low and
robust biomarker baseline levels that were clearly different from exposure responses. In combination
with its high abundance and circumpolar distribution, the Polar cod seems well qualified for oil pollution
monitoring in Arctic waters.