Increasing mercury in yellow perch at a hotspot in Atlantic Canada, Kejimkujik National Park.

摘要: In the mid-1990s, yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and common loons (Gavia immer) from Kejimkujik National Park Historic Site (KNPNHS), Nova Scotia, Canada, had among highest mercury (Hg) concentrations across North America. 2006 2007, we re-examined 16 lakes to determine whether there have been changes in Hg loon’s preferred prey, perch. Total were measured up nine each of three size classes (5−10 cm, 10−15 15−20 cm) consumed by loons. Between 1996/97 2006/07, polynomial regressions indicated that increased an average 29% ten lakes, decreased 21% three, unchanged remaining lakes. 75% study (standardized 12-cm fish length) equal or above concentration (0.21 μg·g−1 ww) associated with a 50% reduction maximum productivity loons, compared only 56% these 1996/97. Mercury contamination currently poses greater threat loon health than decade ago, further reductions anthropogenic emissions should be considered reduce its impacts on ecosystem health.