News Climate

Mercury levels in fish are rising despite reduced emissions

Fishing and warming seas cause changes that affect the toxic metal’s buildup in fatty tissues

cod fisherman

FISH HAUL  A fisherman sorts through Atlantic cod and little skate caught in Stellwagen Bank in the Gulf of Maine. Warming waters and fishing can affect bioaccumulation of toxic methylmercury in these fish, a study suggests. 

Jeff Rotman/Science Source

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Climate change and overfishing may be hampering efforts to reduce toxic mercury accumulations in the fish and shellfish that end up on our plates.