What can be done to reduce contaminants in Lake Superior fish?
A. Fortunately many contaminant levels have decreased over the last 30 years. The contaminants found in the flesh of lake trout and other fish are the result of industrial pollution. We must continue to lower discharges of toxic substances. The Lake Superior Binational Program seeks to establish zero discharge into Lake Superior. Unfortunately, some of the pollutants are produced in other areas and are deposited in Lake Superior through atmospheric deposition. It will take a national effort to eliminate or further reduce contamination. Pollution is regulated at the Federal and state levels. The MNDNR will maintain partnerships and keep up monitoring efforts. In the meantime, it is recommended that people trim fatty tissue from fillets and cook the fish so that fats and oils can drain away. This can reduce the concentration of some contaminants by as much as 50%.
