Mercury is a widespread contaminant Advisories against consumption of fish because of mercury contamination are widespread . Mercury contamination is increasing Regulation of mercury requires better information Many scientific questions remain to be answered before scientists will be able predict how mercury will affect the environment. The USGS Role Improved information on mercury sources, cycling and toxicity will help land and resource managers understand what can be done to reduce mercury hazards to people and the environment. The large geographic scope and consequences of mercury contamination, and enormous complexity of the problem require a scientific approach that integrates many scientific disciplines.
USGS investigations provide information to guide environmental planning and management.
This information helps managers reduce mercury contamination of our biological resources and the associated threats to humans and wildlife. Through USGS workshops and meetings, scientists have assembled the scientific substance for the development of a research agenda that is nearing completion. The agenda identifies research that is needed to move forward the state of the art and to answer fundamental management questions regarding mercury hazards and risks.