Off-flavour substances may be regarded as a resource which can be used to study special ecological mechanisms. Relevant research on off-flavours is inextricably combined with the study of perception, ethology, genetic control etc. The chemicals concerned are commonly perceived by the senses of olfaction and gustation. Thus research on the chemical ecology of off-flavour substances in the aquatic environment involves the study of a variety of disciplines. For example the biochemistry of the relevant substances and appropriate metabolic pathways must be considered. Chemical properties are important for the behaviour of the substances. The production of off-flavours by organisms is related to phenological circumstances. The biotic effects of ecologically significant substances are dependent on several environmental factors. This paper draws attention to the possible application of fundamental research in this area to selected problems of ecological importance.
