After meeting twice with tribal representatives, Fred is putting finishing touch on the draft Water Quality Standard. He is also in contact with county representatives throughout the region, sharing the work he has done and making it available for incorporation into their own water standards. Betty is involved with writing a Fact Sheet for the Red Lake Reservation on Mercury contamination in fish. She is also drafting a fish consumption advisory. There is much subsistence fishing on the Reservation.
Fish are a good source of protein and are linked to cultural and ceremonial traditions.
While it is safe to eat some fish, there are limits that should be observed. The highly prized larger fish tend to have higher mercury levels. Also residue levels vary from species to species, with predatory fish containing higher residues. The biggest risks are for young children and women of childbearing age. Methyl mercury can cause neurological damage to adults and children, and easily passes through the placenta to the fetus.