Has the concentration of mercury increased in Illinois predator sport fish?
No. Methyl mercury levels detected in predator sport fish have remained relatively consistent; the advisory has been issued based on the results of recent scientific studies indicating that methyl mercury is more toxic than previously thought. Based on the study results, the guidelines that were used to establish the Illinois fish advisories have been lowered for methyl mercury. Q: Why is the statewide methyl mercury advisory only for predator species? A:Mercury is very persistent in the environment. Small organisms absorb mercury from water and sediment and the organisms are eaten by smaller fish. Predator fish eat the smaller fish and methyl mercury is accumulated up the food chain so the larger fish have the highest amounts of methyl mercury stored in their bodies. Predator species for Illinois include all species of black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), striped bass, white bass, hybrid bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, flathead catfish, muskellunge, and northern pike. Q:
No. Methyl mercury levels detected in predator sport fish have remained relatively consistent; the advisory has been issued based on the results of recent scientific studies indicating that methyl mercury is more toxic than previously thought. Based on the study results, the guidelines that were used to establish the Illinois fish advisories have been lowered for methyl mercury. Q: Why is the statewide methyl mercury advisory only for predator species? A:Mercury is very persistent in the environment. Small organisms absorb mercury from water and sediment and the organisms are eaten by smaller fish. Predator fish eat the smaller fish and methyl mercury is accumulated up the food chain so the larger fish have the highest amounts of methyl mercury stored in their bodies. Predator species for Illinois include all species of black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), striped bass, white bass, hybrid bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, flathead catfish, muskellunge, and northern pike. Q:
