Fish Farms and Contaminant Levels in First Nations Traditional Marine Resources (Year Two)

Increasing public attention has been given to the risk that contaminants associated with salmon farming may bioaccumulate in wild fish and other marine species harvested by Indigenous communities. This particular concern has been raised by the residents of Klemtu. Due to their high consumption of marine food resources, they are at a greater risk of exposure to these contaminants.

The primary objective of this study was to provide data on community fish consumption, which could form the basis for future health risk assessments specific to Klemtu. Interviews were carried out to establish the basic demographic characteristics of the respondents and asses their food consumption patterns including the total number of traditional marine food meals consumed per week and month.

The study authors highlighted the limitations of their study, including potential sources of error associated with measuring food intake and urged caution in interpreting the results. They also emphasized that any health risks identified in this or future studies must be carefully balanced with the substantial nutritional, cultural, social, and psychological benefits of a traditional diet, including those of marine foods.