Métis Nation of Alberta releases results from 2022 fish health monitoring
The Métis Nation of Alberta says it has just released a report from fish health monitoring that took place last year on Sturgeon Lake, Lac La Biche, Moose Lake, Lesser Slave Lake, and Pigeon Lake, indicating that fish tissue samples from these lakes showed concentration levels of mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) below Alberta’s recommended consumption limit.
Overall, officials say the results suggest the concentration of mercury and PAHs are small enough that the human body will metabolize them faster than they will accumulate. Please see the report here.
According to officials, the fish monitoring program started in 2021 as an addition to the MNA’s environment and climate monitoring initiative, Askîy, meaning earth or land in Cree. The fish monitoring program was said to be launched to assess fish health for lakes MNA Citizens identified to be of concern and/or of importance to support traditional harvesting activities. For all fish sampled, data was said to be collected on species, weight, length, condition, and palatability. For the past three years, officials note teams of MNA staff and knowledgeable Métis harvesters have sampled fish from a variety of lakes across Alberta, using methods weaving together Métis knowledge and western science.
“Through Askîy, the Environment and Climate Change Department engages with MNA Citizens, hears their climate and environment related concerns, and designs and implements projects to monitor and address them,” said MNA Manager of Environment, Kimberly Mosicki. “Concerns around fish health, abundance, and water quality are repeatedly expressed and are priorities for us, so that Métis harvesters can continue to safely fish and exercise their rights.”