High mercury levels and associated consequences in a critically endangered species being reconsidered for a U.S. fishery

Goliath Grouper Epinephelus Itajara is currently a protected species in the southeastern U.S. waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and is considered critically endangered throughout its now considerably compressed... [ view full abstract ]

Goliath Grouper Epinephelus Itajara is currently a protected species in the southeastern U.S. waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and is considered critically endangered throughout its now considerably compressed geographic range. In this study, we evaluate the mercury levels in the tissues of Goliath Grouper in Florida waters – their center of abundance – revealing extraordinarily high levels in the liver and muscle of adult fishes that increase with size and age. The levels far exceed the recommendations for consumption designated by either the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So why the concern? After all, there is no fishery extant in the U.S.. There are two issues that we investigate here: (1) the lack of agreement among federal agencies for the level of mercury considered dangerous for human consumption; and (2) the apparent lack of interest in curtailing the sale of fish that exceed this level of consumption. We also question the legitimacy and purpose of opening a fishery for a species of conservation concern, of unknown population recovery status that could pose a serious health risk to potential consumers. Further, we found that such high levels of mercury are cause for concern for the fish itself. High body burdens are correlated with various health effects and with reduced offspring survival.