Study on the Human Exposure to Fish Contaminants and Direct Impacts on Human Health and Fish Consumption in the Peace Region of Northeastern British Columbia

Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) in northeastern British Columbia were concerned with possible contamination of fish due to widespread industrial development in their territories. The goal of the study was to find out if there were health risks for First Nations who eat several species of fish from the rivers and lakes in the area. The research team wanted to determine the levels of exposure to certain metals and recommend any necessary limits to consumption. The possible locations for the research included several lakes and rivers within the territories.

The study team decided to examine species of fish within the Pine River watershed due to nearby industrial activities. Significant flooding in the summer of 2011 caused damage and other issues so researchers could no longer study the Pine River watershed. They could not study the Moberly River watershed, Moberly Lake or Charlie Lake, either, due to the flooding. The team decided to study the Crooked River water shed, which was a traditional fish harvesting location within the original study area that was not affected by the flooding.

The study tested the bull trout run in the Crooked River for chemicals of potential concern. The analysis of muscle tissue for 24 metals found an elevated level of methylmercury in bull trout that migrate from the W.A.C. Bennett dam on the Peace River into the Crooked River. This finding showed there were possible health risks from eating bull trout in the Crooked River. The team concluded bull trout in other rivers, such as the Parsnip River, may have elevated levels of methylmercury, as well.

The team recommended further analysis to better understand the risks to First Nations from traditional harvesting practices. The researchers planned to complete their analysis with internal funding to determine if there was methylmercury contamination in other locations in this broad area.