FORT PIERCE — In order to assess human mercury exposure, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is conducting a study of individuals, particularly anglers, along the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).
The research will help provide an understanding of the ways that fish consumption influences mercury exposure in humans. As part of the study, the researchers are asking anglers and others who may consume IRL fish to go to The Lagoon House in Palm Bay between 12 and 2 p.m. on July 17 to complete a brief (10-15 min.) questionnaire and provide a small hair sample, which will be assessed for the presence of mercury.
Study participants will learn about multiple issues facing the IRL ecosystem and potential impacts on local human and dolphin populations. A better understanding of the relationship between local fish consumption and mercury intake is an expected outcome of this study.
Results will be disseminated to the local communities, highlighting specific species and intake that put individuals at risk for adverse health impacts.
Mercury released into the environment from industrial sources ends up in our oceans, leading to seafood contamination. Because it builds up in wildlife through a process called bioaccumulation, animals high on the food web have higher concentrations of mercury.
Elevated mercury levels have also been documented in a variety of marine and aquatic wildlife. In measuring mercury concentrations in IRL bottlenose dolphins, FAU-Harbor Branch researchers have found that mercury concentrations in these dolphins is significantly higher than other dolphin populations along the east coast of the U.S.
If you have any questions regarding the research, please contact Adam Schaefer at (772) 242-2311 or www.ASchaef3@HBOI.FAU.Edu.