Managing mercury in sport fish: triploid walleye bioaccumulate less mercury

Managing mercury in sport fish: triploid walleye bioaccumulate less mercury

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fish are part of a healthy diet, providing lean protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and more vitamin B12 and vitamin D than any other food. Although fish are an excellent source of protein, integration of mercury into lake and stream food webs results in traces of mercury being present in fish, sometimes at levels that present health concerns to people who consume fish regularly. Because mercury levels increase as you move up the food chain (i.e., ‘bioaccumulate’), concentrations are highest in top predators such as walleye. Through monitoring and research, both the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(CPW) work to help anglers maximize the benefits of consuming fish while protecting themselves and their families from mercury in the environment.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Triploid walleye

Contaminants

Fishing

Fact sheet

1 page

2021

Fact Sheet

application/pdf

English

Colorado Parks and Wildlife