09-16-2012, 12:38 AM
I was wondering after my trip why do bass have high level of murkery but other fish species dont. What makes them special. Just found out today???
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09-16-2012, 12:38 AM
09-16-2012, 03:51 AM
The thing about mercury is that it is hard for the body to get rid of it.
The mercury is in the tailings from the mines that are around that area. After it gets into the system it is absorbed by the small animals. As larger and larger predators feed the mecury is passed up the food chain so that it builds to unsafe levels in the top predators.
The more little fish that gets ate by the larger fish the faster that the mecury levels build in that fish. It's not something to be taken lightly.
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The mercury is in the tailings from the mines that are around that area. After it gets into the system it is absorbed by the small animals. As larger and larger predators feed the mecury is passed up the food chain so that it builds to unsafe levels in the top predators.
The more little fish that gets ate by the larger fish the faster that the mecury levels build in that fish. It's not something to be taken lightly.
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09-16-2012, 03:54 AM
The fish that hatch in Jordanelle (browns bass and older perch) all have high counts...
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09-16-2012, 04:54 AM
Elemental Mercury is converted by bacteria to methyl mercury.
Methyl Mercury is eaten by plankton or other small organisms. The small organisms are eaten by small fish (chubs, minnows, perch).
The bigger fish eat the smaller fish with mercury and when digesting the smaller fish the methyl mercury accumulates.
Bigger perch will eat a substantial amount of small organisms and plankton, which will lead to high levels.
Brown trout are fish/crawfish eaters, which will allow the levels to accumulate.
Bass are fish eaters which will allow the levels to accumulate.
Rainbow Trout eat primary insects which normally will not contain high levels of mercury.
Fun Fact -
Elemental Mercury (quick silver) is not really bad for you physiologically.
Mercury +2 is really bad for you and is normally found with elemental Mercury(This is the Mad Hatter Stuff)
Methyl Mercury is really bad for you (This with will give you cancer or
cause a lot of other health problems
I hoped you learned a lot
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Methyl Mercury is eaten by plankton or other small organisms. The small organisms are eaten by small fish (chubs, minnows, perch).
The bigger fish eat the smaller fish with mercury and when digesting the smaller fish the methyl mercury accumulates.
Bigger perch will eat a substantial amount of small organisms and plankton, which will lead to high levels.
Brown trout are fish/crawfish eaters, which will allow the levels to accumulate.
Bass are fish eaters which will allow the levels to accumulate.
Rainbow Trout eat primary insects which normally will not contain high levels of mercury.
Fun Fact -
Elemental Mercury (quick silver) is not really bad for you physiologically.
Mercury +2 is really bad for you and is normally found with elemental Mercury(This is the Mad Hatter Stuff)
Methyl Mercury is really bad for you (This with will give you cancer or
cause a lot of other health problems
I hoped you learned a lot
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09-16-2012, 06:19 AM
Nice summary there. Got a molecular model of that to share? Kidding. Though to say it "will" give you cancer may be a bit strong. The only things certain in life are death and taxes.
And as they say "if it's not one thing it's another"
Personally - I think young Danielson had the right idea "must have balance". I've always thought some of the studies that pump lab rats so full of one thing are a bit misleading. Too much of any one thing can't be good for any critter.
I'll still hedge my bets on modest intake of locally caught fresh fish over some of the store bought, farm raised, pumped up commercial offerings. And when you compare other meat-products, well - pick your poison.
But - there's truth to the saying "you are what you eat". If you live fearing all the threats - you wouldn't eat, drink, or breath. But somehow I don't think that's gonna help you see 100!
Best advice - poop often, and consume lots of hot sauce!
And as they say "if it's not one thing it's another"
Personally - I think young Danielson had the right idea "must have balance". I've always thought some of the studies that pump lab rats so full of one thing are a bit misleading. Too much of any one thing can't be good for any critter.
I'll still hedge my bets on modest intake of locally caught fresh fish over some of the store bought, farm raised, pumped up commercial offerings. And when you compare other meat-products, well - pick your poison.
But - there's truth to the saying "you are what you eat". If you live fearing all the threats - you wouldn't eat, drink, or breath. But somehow I don't think that's gonna help you see 100!
Best advice - poop often, and consume lots of hot sauce!
09-16-2012, 07:40 AM
There are more things to worry about than just cancer.
[url "http://www.livestrong.com/article/504850-heavy-metal-poisoning-due-to-fish/"]http://www.livestrong.com/article/504850-heavy-metal-poisoning-due-to-fish/[/url]
I would also bet that commercialy raised fish that are sold for people to eat are highly regulated for this very reason.
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[url "http://www.livestrong.com/article/504850-heavy-metal-poisoning-due-to-fish/"]http://www.livestrong.com/article/504850-heavy-metal-poisoning-due-to-fish/[/url]
I would also bet that commercialy raised fish that are sold for people to eat are highly regulated for this very reason.
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