What was the mercury level found in the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey during the 1990s project?

Answer

1.3 parts per million (ppm)

A critical scientific finding that stalled the commercial harvest of Great Lakes sea lamprey involved the level of bioaccumulated contaminants, particularly heavy metals. Because the sea lamprey occupies a high trophic level in the aquatic food chain, feeding on fish that themselves consume other organisms, it concentrates pollutants from its prey. Testing conducted on the lamprey used during the 1990s demonstration project revealed mercury levels averaging 1.3 parts per million (ppm). This concentration was deemed scientifically problematic because it drastically exceeded the contemporaneous European Union standard for seafood, which was set at a maximum of 0.3 ppm, thus disqualifying the species for promotion in international markets due to safety concerns.

What was the mercury level found in the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey during the 1990s project?

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