WHAT CAN WE DO?
There's no need to worry too much about mercury poisoning from consuming fish, as long as you take some points into consideration. Fish is an important component in a healthy, balanced diet, and should not be discouraged from being consumed. It would be wise though, to consider what kind of fish you are eating and how often it is being eaten. For detailed information, check out the NSW Food Authority guidelines on fish consumption here. As a general guideline, avoid eating large quantities of larger predatory fish on a frequent basis, as these will be higher in mercury than other fish. Such fish include marlin, shark, orange roughy and barramundi. Fish that are low in mercury and are safe to be consumed more often include shellfish, canned tuna, salmon and sardines. If however, you are pregnant, or planning meals for young children, much greater consideration should be emphasised in selecting fish products to consume, as the risk for mercury poisoning is exponentially higher in young children and infants. |
![]() An even more important part of the solution, is to stop mercury pollution altogether. Practices such as the manufacturing of chemicals, and the burning of coal for power are the main contributors to mercury pollution worldwide. Current projections estimate that by 2050, the mercury concentration of the Pacific ocean will be at least double the level that it is today, rendering large predatory fish such as Marlin practically inedible. If mercury pollution is to stop there must be a greater focus on improving and implementing sources of clean, renewable energy such as solar power. Humanity must stop relying so heavily on practices that ravage the environment, or the worldwide population of fish will be irreversibly damaged. |