Do You Know What’s in Your Fish?
Do you know what’s in your fish? It sounds like a weird question since most people just think it is just fish. For the most part, we buy it and eat it, not considering where it comes from or what harmful chemicals may be in the meat. For many Ohioans who live around Lake Erie, catching fresh fish or eating fish from the lake is common and enjoyed by many. However, pollution from the surrounding infrastructure has been allowing chemicals into the lake. One of these chemicals is mercury.
What is Mercury?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is used in thermometers and industrial practices. It is toxic to humans and wildlife if ingested or the fumes inhaled. If a person or animal is exposed to enough mercury, it can damage the nervous system and can cause birth defects or infertility. Once the element enters the water, filter feeders such as clams and mussels filter it out of the water. The feeders are in turn eaten, passing along the mercury up the food chain. This process is repeated until it reaches the fish that are popularly consumed by humans.
Zebra Mussel
© Brigitte Cusson and Denis Labonte, Environment Canada
Path of Mercury up the Food Chain
©Canadian Government
What do I need to watch out for?
In regards to fish caught and eaten from Lake Erie, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency maintains a consumption advisory list for the state of Ohio. According to their list, Some fish, such as Yellow Perch and sunfish, are safe to eat for multiple meals a week. Other fish, such as Steelhead and Walleye, should only be consumed once a month due to their high mercury levels. For more information on fish that are safe and the recommended consumption levels, visit the Ohio EPA at the following link: http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/fishadvisory/index.aspx#145214734-statewide
Sources:
Ohio EPA Consumption Advisory
http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/fishadvisory/index.aspx#145214734-statewide
Canada Environment and Climate Change
https://www.ec.gc.ca/eaudouce-freshwater/default.asp?lang=en&n=30123F03-1