Mercury Above Acceptable Level in Fish Found in Macal River
Traces of mercury have been detected in fish from the Macal River. An analysis in which twelve species were caught from the waterway indicated that six of them tested positive for mercury levels above the recommended point five milligrams. Three of those, including the Bay Snook, Baca and Botasi are consumed by residents of communities along the Macal River. Further testing of mercury levels show that the Botasi contained one point five-five milligrams of the element, while the Bay Snook recorded one point four-four milligrams or approximately three times the prescribed levels. As such, the Ministry of Health, Department of Environment and the Belize Electric Company (BECOL) have issued a public advisory on the amount of fish that can be consumed weekly from the Macal River to avoid the harmful effects of mercury exposure. The ministry advises the public to eat fish from other parts of the country instead, consume replacement foods such as canned tuna and chicken, as well as taking omega acid supplements.
Oh yeah…just supplement your fresh fish intake with canned tuna…don’t worry about detailing what is causing the high levels of mercury or the future impact of its consumption /pollution…
“The ministry advises the public to eat fish from other parts of the country instead, consume replacement foods such as canned tuna and chicken, as well as taking omega acid supplements.” CANNED TUNA MY ASS!! Oh yeah, I remember now! Didn’t BECOL & GOB tell us that those 3 little biddy dams wouldn’t hurt those little fishies! Now it’s Cruise Ports, uncontrolled development, and amending the PACT Act (you need to check into that one $$$). They’re intentionally destroying our natural environment! Come on people . . . its time to pay attention! Alright, it election time so say the powers. So now we get our say.Think long and hard on this one folks! Just do what’s right . . . and you know what’s right.