Métis Nation of Alberta: Fish Health Monitoring

"The pollution of the rivers and lakes need to be addressed as soon as possible or the fish will become extinct. We as a nation, have depended on our harvesting. We can not let this pollution destroy our environment we need for our future generations" – Métis harvester

Fishing is vital to Métis culture and subsistence. MNA Citizens have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding fish health, abundance, and water quality. Addressing these concerns is a key priority for the Askîy Monitoring initiative so that Métis harvesters can continue to safely fish and exercise their rights.

In 2021, the Fish Health monitoring program launched as part of Askîy to collect data on fish health, including weight, length, condition, and palatability. A team of MNA staff and knowledgeable Métis harvesters went ice-fishing at six lakes across Alberta using traditional and modern methods.

In 2022, MNA staff and harvesters returned to four of the lakes from the previous year and also visited a new one. As in the previous year, data was collected on fish health, including weight, length, condition, and palatability. Additionally, a selection of fish from each lake was kept for toxicology testing.

At past engagements, MNA Citizens shared an overwhelming number of concerns related to fish, including declining populations, poor health, and changes in taste. Citizens have also expressed concerns about lake health such as water quality and water levels. Many people connected these concerns with increased fishing pressure, poor management, and pollution. Understanding the impacts of water quality and development on the health and availability of fish is important to ensure Métis Citizens can continue their traditions and safely consume fish for subsistence purposes.

Lakes were chosen based on previous concerns shared by Citizens and expected presence of Walleye and Lake Whitefish. These species were targeted because Citizens previously indicated these were the most desirable fish. In 2022, Sturgeon Lake, Lac La Biche, Moose Lake, Lesser Slave Lake, and Pigeon Lake were sampled. Lesser Slave Lake was the only lake not previously monitored.

The Askîy Fish Health Monitoring team sampled fish between mid-February to mid-March 2021 using traditional Métis harvesting methods and followed the  Government of Alberta’s Domestic Fishing License Condition rules for 2021-2022 . These rules inform the size of nets allowed at each lake. In addition to traditional gillnetting, Métis harvesters used rod-and-reel fishing to estimate their time and effort while out ice fishing.

Each fishing location was selected based on access, lake depth, and local harvester knowledge. All work occurred during daylight hours. Each day, the gillnet was set up in the morning and collected in the late afternoon. The net remained set for approximately six hours. Once set, the team fished by rod and reel.

All fish caught, regardless of method, were measured, weighed, and examined for visual health indicators, such as the presence of sores, growths, and spots. Fish caught by rod and reel were released, while those caught by gillnet were humanely euthanized if necessary and kept for consumption by the Métis harvesters. Harvesters tagged each kept fish with a unique number and reported back on its taste and quality for the Askîy Community Monitoring palatability study. Finally, fillets from up to five Lake Whitefish were sent to a lab to test for mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels.

"I'm always concerned about the quality of the water, and its toxic components." - Métis harvester

Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal in our environment. Mercury moves through the food chain in a process known as biomagnification. When fish feed on plants and other animals containing mercury, it builds up in their muscles and organs, a process called bioaccumulation. When people eat fish or other animals containing mercury, some of that mercury can be passed on to us and accumulate in our muscles and organs. Low levels of mercury are not harmful, but high levels can cause health problems. Mercury accumulation is measured in µg/g, or one millionth of a gram of mercury per gram of weight. Alberta sets recommended consumption limits on fish based on the average mercury concentrations measured at that lake.

Click on the button below for detailed information on mercury-based consumption limits and recommendations for Alberta water bodies, fish species, and based on your age and sex.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in fossil fuels, such as coal and oil deposits, and can be formed by burning organic substances like oil, gas, wood, garbage, tobacco, or even grilling meat. PAHs often reach higher concentration levels near and around industrial areas, but have areas of natural occurrences, like the oil sands. Soils and sediments can become contaminated with PAHs as air pollution settles on the ground, runoff from paved surfaces, accidental fuel spills, or naturally occurring seepage from oil deposits. PAHs accumulate in humans, animals, and fish through inhalation, physical exposure, or ingesting contaminated food. PAH build up in tissues may cause damage to DNA and other health issues, like cancer. PAH exposure in fish can reduce reproductive rates, leading to fewer fish available for Métis harvesters and food insecurity. PAH concentration is measured in nanograms (ng), or one billionth of a gram, per gram of fish weight. Canada currently has no regulations on PAH concerntration in food, but the European Union recommends levels below 30 ng/g for consumption.

Up to five Lake Whitefish from each lake, except for Lesser Slave Lake and Moose Laker where only one fish was caught, were tested for mercury and PAH concentration levels. A total of 17 fish were submitted for toxicology testing.

Currently, our mercury testing indicates that Métis harvesters do not need to limit their fish consumption at the sampled lakes. The mercury testing results from all lakes showed concentration levels below the 0.2 μg/g recommended consumption limit.

Although Moose Lake and Lesser Slave Lake exhibited higher mercury concentration than the other sampled lakes, levels were still below the threshold of concern. Due to the small size at Moose Lake and Lesser Slave Lake, more research is recommended.

Currently, PAH tests indicate Métis harvesters do not need to limit their fish consumption at the sampled lakes and PAHs have not impacted fish reproductive rates.

The most harmful PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) were found in limited quantities measuring <0.6ng/g, well below the European Union's recommendation of less than 12 ng/g for food.

While PAH concentrations vary across and within the sampled lakes, all currently fall below the recommended 30 ng/g. For example, a fish caught at Sturgeon Lake tested 29.9 ng/g (just below the threshold of concern), however Lake Whitefish from the same lake varied in concentration from 3.8 ng/g - 29.9 ng/g. To gain a better understanding of how chemicals move through our Alberta water systems, testing of additional fish is required.

Become an Askîy Guardian and share your fishing trip experiences and information about the fish you catch. Click below for more details and links to the monitoring forms.

Need more information on fish chemical testing and consumption recommendations? Check out  this website  or download the SHOULD I EAT THIS FISH app on your smart phone.

Visit our website and other StoryMaps to learn more about our monitoring programs and projects.

"Any day on the lake is a good day. In these times we are living, we need to get outside." - Métis harvester