Juvenile chinook salmon in the Fraser River estuary have been found to contain a variety of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and flame retardants, as discovered by researchers. Over 80 contaminants were detected in the salmon tissue alone, with the primary sources believed to be industrial and wastewater sites located upstream. Water samples from the salmon habitat also revealed the presence of 130 contaminants.
The research team expressed concerns that these chemicals could be negatively impacting the growth, behavior, and overall health of the chinook salmon. David Scott, the lower Fraser research and restoration director for the Raincoast Conservation Foundation (RCF), highlighted the widespread presence of pollutants from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and flame retardants in the fish.
Monitoring of Harrison River chinook stock in the Fraser River estuary involved sampling tissue and habitat at various sites. The study identified 16 priority contaminants, including organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals, with potential adverse effects. Notably, the flame retardant PBDE-penta-total was detected in salmon tissue samples, while other priority contaminants such as cocaine and pesticides were found in habitat water samples.
Additionally, eight “watchlist” chemicals posing elevated biological risks were found in salmon tissue samples, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemicals. The study, primarily funded by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and conducted in collaboration with the RCF and Simon Fraser University, emphasized the need for further monitoring due to the likelihood of unmeasured chemicals affecting the fish.
In Washington state’s Puget Sound, similar research has been ongoing for over three decades, tracking contaminants in fish habitat. Synthetic organic chemicals have been shown to hinder chinook growth, potentially leading to long-term impacts on salmon populations. These findings are crucial as chinook salmon form a vital part of the diet for southern resident killer whales, which are known to have high contaminant levels.
The study’s implications extend to human health as well, with organic chemical levels in Puget Sound chinook surpassing established human health thresholds. Researchers emphasized the importance of managing chemicals effectively, whether through public policies or individual actions like proper disposal of pharmaceuticals. The research serves as a call to action for improved chemical management practices to safeguard both marine ecosystems and human health.