Heavy metal contamination in the Derwent estuary has potential health implications for people catching and consuming local shellfish and fish.
Heavy metal levels in Derwent estuary oysters, mussels and flathead have been monitored for over a decade by Nystar Hobart smelter (previously Zinifex and Pasminco).
Oysters and mussels collected in the Derwent estuary, including Ralphs Bay, are not suitable for human consumption due to elevated heavy metal levels and the potential occurrence of faecal pathogens.
Mercury levels in flathead are at or near the recommended human health guidelines suggesting that up to two to three meals per week would be acceptable for most people. Pregnant women and young children, however, should limit their Derwent flathead consumption to no more than 1 meal per week. For details click here for Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
A recent pilot study of merury levels in other Derwent-caught fin fish found that bream and sea-run trout have mercury levels in excess of recommended food safety standards. Precautionary health advice is that the public should avoid eating these species. Mercury levels in mullet were found to be well below the national food safety guidelines. Further investigation is planned and it is possible that this advice will be lifted as more results become available. This pilot survey was part of a University of Tasmania Honours project and the fish samples were collected with assistance of recreational fishers, community groups and Nyrstar Hobart Smelter.
The Derwent Estuary Program is working with its partners to raise public awareness about the potential health implications of eating seafood from the Derwent estuary. In July 2007 a brochure was released with more detailed information about heavy metal levels in oysters, mussels and flathead.
Heavy metal levels will continue to bemonitored and management priorities are being establishment aimed at reducing contamination.
Heavy metal levels in Derwent estuary oysters, mussels and flathead have been monitored for over a decade by Nystar Hobart smelter (previously Zinifex and Pasminco).
Oysters and mussels collected in the Derwent estuary, including Ralphs Bay, are not suitable for human consumption due to elevated heavy metal levels and the potential occurrence of faecal pathogens.
Mercury levels in flathead are at or near the recommended human health guidelines suggesting that up to two to three meals per week would be acceptable for most people. Pregnant women and young children, however, should limit their Derwent flathead consumption to no more than 1 meal per week. For details click here for Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
A recent pilot study of merury levels in other Derwent-caught fin fish found that bream and sea-run trout have mercury levels in excess of recommended food safety standards. Precautionary health advice is that the public should avoid eating these species. Mercury levels in mullet were found to be well below the national food safety guidelines. Further investigation is planned and it is possible that this advice will be lifted as more results become available. This pilot survey was part of a University of Tasmania Honours project and the fish samples were collected with assistance of recreational fishers, community groups and Nyrstar Hobart Smelter.
The Derwent Estuary Program is working with its partners to raise public awareness about the potential health implications of eating seafood from the Derwent estuary. In July 2007 a brochure was released with more detailed information about heavy metal levels in oysters, mussels and flathead.
Heavy metal levels will continue to bemonitored and management priorities are being establishment aimed at reducing contamination.
