Canadian Albacore Tuna and Mercury Mercury Report- CHMSF.pdf · Canadian Albacore Tuna and Mercury EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canadian Highly Migratory ... There is a general global concern

A FEDERALLY REGISTERED NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION OF CANADA

CANADIAN HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FOUNDATION

Canadian Albacore Tuna and Mercury

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF) is a Federally Registered Not-For-Profit Society, which carries out Fishery Research and Marketing related to BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna on behalf of its members. Membership is made up of BC Albacore tuna fishermen and processors and other interested parties.

There is a general global concern over the MERCURY content in all fish species. Canada, Japan, Europe, the USA, and many other countries, have national regulations, which identify levels of Mercury in fish flesh, which are deemed acceptable to protect the health of the public. Those species that may have higher levels of Mercury are longer-lived fish which may include: Swordfish, Sharks, Tilefish, Sablefish, and some Tunas. A tendency by the media to focus on the issue of mercury levels in such species, particularly in tuna, has negatively impacted the development of the BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna industry. Mercury, certainly has been recognized as an issue in some tuna, especially those caught in the Southern Hemisphere that normally represent the breeding population, thus the oldest mature fish of the species. Based on recent research, carried out over the past 15 years, it is the understanding of the CHMSF that BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) the species targeted by BC/Canadian fishermen do not pose a mercury risk due to the overall younger age and smaller size of the fish targeted by the Canadian fleet. To address and document the issue of mercury in BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna the CHMSF undertook a preliminary testing of mercury samples from BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna and in 2003 the mean Mercury level in BC ALBACORE TUNA was 0.178 ppm which is significantly lower that the Canadian Standard of 0.5 ppm and the US Standard of 1.0 ppm. At the direction of the CHMSF Board of Directors an ongoing Mercury Testing Program was initiated in 2003. This position paper details the results of Mercury tests carried out by the CHMSF during the period 2003-2017 and relates the data to published results regarding Mercury levels in other fish and specifically Albacore Tuna caught in other fisheries and presented in other markets. 1.0 BACKGROUND


1.1 The Canadian Tuna Industry

The BC/Canadian Tuna fishing industry focuses its efforts on the sustainable harvest of Albacore (Thunnus alalunga), Bigeye (Thunnus obesus), Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and the Bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) tunas. The harvest of Albacore Tuna alone reached a combined landed value of approximately $56.6 million in 2017 (BC Stats.). The tunas are pelagic fast swimming fish that reach the northern range of their migration on both the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of Canada. As such they show unpredictable and changeable distribution, which affects our combined knowledge of the species in question and the marketability and product value of the harvest. Lack of basic information regarding these species, along with ongoing management and political issues surrounding fish species that cross international fishing boundaries have prevented both the formalized structuring and management of the fisheries, and the coordinated efforts to fully understand the science behind the various tunas caught in Canadian waters.

To address these important issues, industry came together in 2002 to form the Federally Registered Not-For-Profit Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF) to carry out both scientific research and marketing efforts on behalf of the Canadian fleet. The CHMSF does not involve itself with the management or politics of these fisheries as this is left to those individual fishermen and their associations who have a vested interest in the fishery.

The Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation As mentioned, The Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF ) is a Federally Registered Not-For-Profit Foundation, which was incorporated on June 14, 2002. (Incorporation # 408435-7). The CHMSF is mandated to undertake the following activities.

• Biological Research

• Product Testing

• Export Market Development

• Support international collaboration

• New Species Fishery Development The membership of the CHMSF currently stands at 177 and represents fishermen, processors, buyers, and researchers.


The CHMSF has a federal fisheries scientific advisor (Dr. Max Stocker, DFO) and a BC fisheries advisor (Sandy Argue, BCMAFF). The vast majority of BC/Canadian caught tunas (90%) are exported primarily to the United States with small quantities of higher valued product destined for Japan, Malaysia, and other Asian Countries. Tuna species are available in many forms in the market-place but most would recognize tuna as the species found as a canned product. Other than a small volume of niche market canned product, there is little knowledge by the public of BC/Canadian higher valued Tuna products. In the US market BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna, competes directly with large volumes of Albacore tuna caught and canned in the South Pacific. Unfortunately, most BC/Canadian tuna ends up as a canned product, which commands the lowest commodity price for tuna products. As a significantly younger fish than those caught in other locations, BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna has a smaller consistent size and with current harvest and handling technologies which maintain a very high quality product is suitable for developing a frozen loin and other products, distinct and of higher value than fish destined to be canned. Over the period of the last four years a larger effort has been made to distinguish BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna as the unique product that it is focusing on value added processing such as loining, or ready to eat foil packed pouches, in addition to high end canned product for niche markets.

BC Albacore Tuna BC ALBACORE and CANADIAN ALBACORE are both registered names under the BUY BC PROGRAM. Albacore Tuna (thunnus alalunga) is a highly migratory specie, the albacore ranges throughout portions of the Northern and Southern Pacific and is fished by many nations. BC/Canadian fishermen currently catch just over 3 % of the total North Pacific harvest. As Tuna populations are far ranging, BC/Canadian fishermen undertake fishing activities in international waters under the provisions of various conventions and agreements including: the UN Implementation Agreement for the Straddling Fish Stocks and the Highly Migratory Species Agreement within the law of the Sea convention; the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the International Plan of Action (LPOA) for the Management of Fishing Capacity; and, the UN Compliance Agreement. Some BC/Canadian fishermen also have privileges to fish for and land species of highly migratory Tuna within the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as part of a reciprocal arrangement agreed to under the 1981 Treaty Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Unites States of America on


Pacific Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges. US –Canada Albacore Tuna Treaty of 1981. This Treaty was renewed in 2005 and remains today (2018). In British Columbia, all commercial fishing licensed vessels are authorized to participate in the fishery, as Albacore Tuna is a Schedule II species listed under the Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993. Those vessels not eligible to fish for Tuna under Sect 19 (1) of the Regulations may be authorized, by a license issued pursuant to section 68 of the Fishery (General Regulations), to fish outside Canadian waters. An excellent series of articles, and discussion papers detail the history, current status and future directions of the Tuna fishery including:

➢ Status of the 2018 British Columbia Albacore Fishery ➢ 2018 Tuna Integrated Fisheries Management Plan ➢ Economic Potential for Offshore Highly Migratory Species ➢ Final Report- Preliminary Analysis of the Value-added

Opportunities for Albacore Tuna and Seafood Products ➢ The BC Tuna Industry ~ Planning for the Future.

Sustainability of the Fishery The future of the global Tuna fishery, as all fisheries, is based upon responsible and sustainable management and fishing practices. As previously mentioned, there are a number of international organizations and agencies whose mandate addresses the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks throughout the various oceans of the world. Canada is a participant in a number of these bodies. In order to address issues surrounding the sustainability of the Albacore Tuna fishery in the Eastern Pacific, members of the US industry formed the American Fishermen’s Research Foundation (AFRF) in 1971. Since its inception a number of Canadian tuna fishermen, through their membership in the Western Fish Boat Owners Association (WFOA), have contributed directly to AFRF scientific research programs, such as Albacore tagging and sea surface temperature research programs that generate data necessary to support a sustainable fishery. The Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF) is in the process of negotiations with the above Foundations and Associations and other international foundations, to work collaboratively and jointly in supporting the development of appropriate science based research projects to the benefit of fish stocks and industry development. Such research would provide the data necessary to support decisions on management of the fishery.


2.0 MERCURY RESEARCH

2.1 Background There is a general global concern over the mercury content in fish species. Canada, Japan, Europe, the USA, and other countres have national regulations, which identify acceptable limits of Mercury in fish flesh. Those species that have a higher than normal associated risk of problems with Mercury may include: Shark, Sword Fish, Tile Fish, Sablefish, and some Tunas – essentially any long lived fish has the potential to accumulate Mercury through the food chain. (It should be pointed out that the Mercury in question is naturally occurring in all oceans of the world as part of our normal ecosystems. This discussion does not refer to industrially produced Mercury, which was at the centre of significant health concerns in Japan in the 1950’s). Confusion between naturally and industrially occurring Mercury, the size, age, and harvest location of fish in these species has led to negative consumer reports and has prevented many of these fisheries fully developing their market potential. From the perspective of Tuna – raised levels of Mercury is recognized as an issue in older tuna ie. Tuna may live as long as 30 years and reach a maximum size of 40 kg (88 lbs). Put simply the reason that Mercury is not an issue for Albacore Tuna caught in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest is that the fish harvested in this area are typically 3-4 years old and weight approximately 3-11 kg (6.5-24 lbs.) Based on recent research it is the understanding of the CHMSF that BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga), the species targeted by BC/Canadian fishermen, does not pose a health risk due to its level of Mercury content due to the young age and smaller size targeted by the Canadian fleet and that analysis of mercury in fish falls well below safety standards set by Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the USFDA. To begin to address the issue of Mercury in Albacore Tuna, the CHMSF undertook a preliminary testing of mercury samples from BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna in 2003. These samples indicated the mean Mercury level in BC ALBACORE TUNA was 0.178 ppm which is significantly lower that the Canadian Standard of 0.5 ppm and the US Standard of 1.0 ppm. Noting that the ongoing testing of BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna was “a good and the right thing to do”, at the direction of the CHMSF Board an ongoing Mercury Testing Program was initiated in 2003. In 2004 ongoing Mercury Testing became a permanent component of the CHMSF PLATINUM QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.


2.2 Mercury Test Results – Beginning in 2003. BC ALBACORE 2003 CATCH IEC INTERNATIONAL (Collaborative Marine Research and Development Ltd.) on behalf of the CHMSF collected and retained samples of BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna harvested by the BC Fleet during the 2003 season. All samples were from Troll Albacore Tuna caught between Oregon and British Columbia and landed in Canada by the BC Fleet. The samples consisted of a random combination of Frozen BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna flesh and BC/Canadian Albacore canned in water. Samples were submitted to CANTEST Laboratories, as a facility that is approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for the testing of metals in seafoods. The results from fish harvested in 2003, indicated that the mean Mercury content of the 25 fish tested, was 0.178 micrograms per gram (PPM) with a range of 0.087 to 0.307 micrograms per gram (PPM). Results from this testing were well below the mandated levels regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of 0.5 pm and the US FDA regulation of 1.0 ppm.


Table 1. Mercury Test Results from 2003 Fishery

BC ALBACORE 2004 CATCH Once again, IEC INTERNATIONAL (Collaborative Marine Research and Development Ltd.) on behalf of the CHMSF collected and retained samples of BC ALBACORE TUNA harvested by the BC Fleet during the 2004 season. All samples were from Albacore Tuna caught between Oregon and British Columbia and landed in Canada by the BC Fleet. The samples consisted of a random combination of Frozen BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna flesh and BC/Canadian Albacore canned in water.

IDENTIFYER LANDING DATE VESSEL SPECIES LENGTH (CM)WEIGHT (KG)LABORATORYID RESULTS/UG/G

03-01 2003 SILVERBEAR SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 69.01 6.80 CANTEST 312230193 0.097

03-02 2003 NOOTKA LADY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 60.96 4.53 CANTEST 312230194 0.185

03-03 2003 AZULEMAR SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230186 0.289

03-04 2003 OCEAN RAMBLER SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230187 0.307

03-05 2003 ST JEANS SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230188 0.097

03-06 2003 NOOTKA LADY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 60.96 4.53 CANTEST 312230195 0.201

03-07 2003 SILVERBEAR SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 69.01 6.80 CANTEST 312230196 0.087

03-08 2003 AZULEMAR SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230189 0.24

03-09 2003 ONWARD II SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230190 0.151

03-10 2003 KAL-ANNE SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230191 0.139

03-11 2003 SCANIA-QUEEN SOLID-ALBACORE-WATER N/A N/A CANTEST 312230192 0.077

03-18 2003 PACIFIC HUNTER SOLID-ALBACORE N/A N/A CANTEST 401070188 0.161

03-19 2003 TRIPLE M SOLID-ALBACORE N/A N/A CANTEST 401070189 0.263

03-20 2003 OPTIMIST No 1. SOLID-ALBACORE N/A N/A CANTEST 401070190 0.144

03-21 2003 NORTHERN SPY SOLID - ALBACORE N/A N/A CANTEST 401070191 0.267

03-22 2003 WESTERLY WIND SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 81.00 10.90 CANTEST 401280043 0.239

03-23 2003 SUNBEAM SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 79.00 10.30 CANTEST 401280044 0.168

03-24 2003 COVENANT SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 84.00 12.20 CANTEST 401280045 0.152

03-25 2003 SHARLA DAWN SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 79.00 10.10 CANTEST 401280046 0.145

03-26 2003 JACK DAW SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 81.00 11.10 CANTEST 401280047 0.135

03-27 2003 SUMMERS RETREAT SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 75.00 8.50 CANTEST 401280048 0.151

03-28 2003 NINA ELLEN SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 80.00 10.70 CANTEST 401280049 0.216

03-29 2003 TROMSO SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 79.00 9.80 CANTEST 401280050 0.136

03-30 2003 HARVEST MOON III SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 77.00 9.10 CANTEST 401280051 0.183

03-31 2003 KOOTENAY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH 85.00 12.60 CANTEST 401280052 0.219

MEAN 0.1780 Mg/Gm

CANADIAN REGULATED STANDARD 0.5 Micrograms/gram (PPM)

USA REGULATED STANDARD 1.0 Micrograms/gram (PPM)

Analysis facilitated by IEC INTERNATIONAL on behalf of the PLATINUM QUALITY ASSURANCE

PROGRAM of the CANADIAN HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FOUNDATION (CHMSF)

METAL ANALYSIS COMPLETED BY CANTEST LTD. USING STANDARD METHODOLOGY APPROVED BY

FEDERAL - CANDIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY


2003-MERCURY TESTING

2004 - MERCURY TESTING PROGRAM


Samples were submitted to CANTEST Laboratories, as a facility that is approved by CFIA for the testing of metals in fish flesh. The results from the 100 fish sampled from the 2004 harvest indicated a mean Mercury content of 0.168 micrograms per gram (PPM) with a range of 0.017 to 0.278 micrograms per gram (PPM). Results from this testing were well below the mandated levels regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of 0.5 pm and the US FDA regulation of 1.0 ppm.

Table 2a Mercury Test Results from 2004 Fishery (Samples 1-48).


Table 2b. Mercury Test Results from 2004 Fishery (Samples 49-100). BC ALBACORE 2005 CATCH Once again, IEC INTERNATIONAL (Collaborative Marine Research and Development Ltd.) on behalf of the CHMSF collected and retained samples of BC ALBACORE TUNA harvested by the BC Fleet during the 2005 season. All

SAMPLE LANDING DATE SPECIES LABORATORY ID RESULTS/UG/G

04-01 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 502010220 0.071



















































samples were from Albacore Tuna caught between Oregon and British Columbia and landed in Canada by the BC Fleet. The samples consisted of a random combination of Frozen BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna flesh and BC/Canadian Albacore canned in water. Samples were submitted to CANTEST Laboratories, as a facility that is approved by CFIA for the testing of metals in fish flesh. The results from the 38 fish sampled from the 2005 harvest indicated a mean Mercury content of 0.1567 micrograms per gram (PPM) with a range of 0.103 to 0.246 micrograms per gram (PPM). Results from this testing were well below the mandated levels regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of 0.5 pm and the US FDA regulation of 1.0 ppm.


Table 3 Mercury Test Results from 2005 Fishery (Samples 1-38).

SAMPLE LANDING DATE SPECIES LABORATORY ID RESULTS/UG/G







































MEAN 0.1567

USA REGULATED STANDARD 1.0 Micrograms/gram (PPM)

Analysis facilitated by IEC INTERNATIONAL on behalf of the PLATINUM QUALITY ASSURANCE

PROGRAM of the CANADIAN HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FOUNDATION (CHMSF)

METAL ANALYSIS COMPLETED BY CANTEST LTD. USING STANDARD METHODOLOGY APPROVED BY

FEDERAL - CANDIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY

CANADIAN REGULATED STANDARD 0.5 Micrograms/gram (PPM)



Micrograms/gram


3.0 DATA COMPARISON As an issue of importance, Mercury in fish has received a significant focus of attention in recent years. Various agencies have published summary and or data reports detailing results of a number of fish tissue analyses. This section details published results from various studies and will then compare these results with the findings of the CANTEST results from the CHMSF 2003, 2004, and 2005 studies.

Table 4. Mercury in Albacore Tuna- Result Comparison

SPECIES # SAMPLES MINIMUM (PPM) MAXIMUM (PPM) AVERAGE (PPM) REFERENCE

ALBACORE 98 0.18 0.64 0.37 avg. 1

ALBACORE 0.351 mean 2

ALBACORE 175 0.02 0.85 2

ALBACORE 179 ND 0.85 0.35 mean 3

ALBACORE 25 0.087 0.307 0.178 avg. 4

ALBACORE 100 0.017 0.278 0.168 avg. 5

ALBACORE 38 0.103 0.246 0.157 avg. 6

SUMMARY OF PUBLISHED MERCURY LEVELS IN FISH SPECIES

1. 2002 CFIA Product Verification Report- Imported Canned Tuna- BC Laboratory

2. 2003 USFDA An intervention Analysis for the Reduction of Exposure to Methymmercury from

the consumption of seafood by Women of Child Bearing Age. (Carrington, C.D, and P. M. Bolger).

3. 2004. USEPA & USDHHS. Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish

4. 2003, CHMSF- BC Albacore Testing Program - Platinum QA Program (IEC-Cantest)

5. 2004, CHMSF- BC Albacore Testing Program - Platinum QA Program ( IEC-Cantest)



The vast majority of published results examining the presence of Mercury in Albacore Tuna show high levels of Mercury present. In the above table only government published data was used as a comparison. No newspaper results were quoted. In follow, up years we received the following results:

• 2003 0.178 ppm

• 2004 0.168 ppm

• 2005 0.156 ppm

• 2006 0.145 ppm

Average (173 samples) 0.1656 ppm Since we began testing in 2003 we have never received results that were outside of normal levels. As a result, from 2006 to 2018 we have regularly tested a smaller number of fish for mercury. This enabled us to increase our testing related to other issues ie Radiation, Omega-3, Lead, Histamine, Scromboid. etc. In 2011 the British Columbia Ministry of Health and the British Columbia Centre for

Disease Control analyzed all of our data and as a result revised, and upgraded, their

recommendations related to limits for consumption

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile68m.stm

The BC Ministry of Health and BC Centre for Disease Control have developed

recommendations for choosing and eating fish, specifically for British Columbians. By

SPECIES # SAMPLES MINIMUM (PPM) MAXIMUM (PPM) AVERAGE (PPM) REFERENCE

ALBACORE 98 0.18 0.64 0.37 avg. 1

ALBACORE 0.351 mean 2

ALBACORE 175 0.02 0.85 2

ALBACORE 179 ND 0.85 0.35 mean 3

ALBACORE 25 0.087 0.307 0.1779 avg. 4

ALBACORE 100 0.017 0.278 0.168 avg. 5

3. 2004. USEPA & USDHHS. Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish

4. 2003, CHMSF- BC Albacore Testing Program - Platinum QA Program (IEC-Cantest)


SUMMARY OF PUBLISHED MERCURY LEVELS IN FISH SPECIES

1. 2002 CFIA Product Verification Report- Imported Canned Tuna- BC Laboratory

2. 2003 USFDA An intervention Analysis for the Reduction of Exposure to Methymmercury from

the consumption of seafood by Women of Child Bearing Age. (Carrington, C.D, and P. M. Bolger).


choosing fish low in mercury, you can get the health benefits of fish while minimizing the

amount of mercury.

In British Columbia, we are in a unique position in that our Albacore Tuna fleet captures

young (2-3 years of age) fish almost exclusively, at a unique time in their live before they

have accumulated any significant amount of background mercury. In fact, our BC/Canadian

albacore tuna, as well as those caught along the Pacific Coast of North America, have for

years consistently tested amoungst the lowest in the world for mercury in albacore tunas.

“Fish is part of a healthy diet. Fish provides many nutrients such as protein, while being low

in saturated fat. Fish also provides healthy omega-3 fats, which are good for your heart and

brain. Omega-3 fats are important especially for the brain and eye development of babies and

children. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide recommends at least 2 servings of fish each

week for children 2 years of age and older and for adults. Choose Fish Low in Mercury. One

Serving is equal to 75 g (2.5 oz.) or 125 mL (1/2 cup)

British Columbia Ministry of Health and the British Columbia

Centre for Disease Control, 2011

Do to a focus on Radiation in Albacore (resulting from the Fukushima disaster), our focus

changes to Radiation testing after 2006.

Results from a three sample 2015 test for Mercury in Albacore, however, showed Mercury

levels of 0.3 ppm which are consistent with all previous test results.


ELEMENTS BY ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY (FOOD) RDL = Reportable Detection Limit Acid Extractable Mercury (Hg) ug/g 0.32 0.34 0.38 0.01 Metals Units 15-7-A 15-7-B 15-7-C RDL COC Number V018079 V018079 V018079 2015/08/05 09:00 2015/08/05 09:00 2015/08/05 Sampling Date 09:00 Maxxam ID ATH472 ATH473 ATH474

4.0 SUMMARY-POSITION

Tuna landed by the BC/Canadian fishing fleet is caught primarily in the eastern pacific regions along the west coast of North America ranging from Oregon to British Columbia.

Some Albacore Tuna landed in BC are caught in the South Pacific. These tuna are excluded from the BC ALBACORE TUNA MERCURY TESTING PROGRAM as they do not quality for entry into the PLATINUM QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM and as such may not be sold as CHMSF PLATINUM QA BC/CANADIAN ALBACORE.

Results from the CHMSF 2003 Albacore Mercury testing program indicated that of the 25 samples tested the average mercury concentration was 0.178 ppm (range 0.087-0.307 ppm). Results from the CHMSF 2004 Albacore Mercury testing program indicated that of the 100 samples tested the average Mercury concentration was 0.168 (range 0.017- 0.278 ppm). And results from the CHMSF 2005 Albacore Mercury testing program indicated that of the 38 samples tested the average Mercury concentration was 0.1567 (range 0.103- 0.246 ppm).

Compared to international published data on mercury content in Albacore Tuna the results achieved over the past few years from the CHMSF Mercury Testing Program show that BC ALBACORE/CANADIAN ALBACORE consistently test among the lowest mercury levels in world.

The CHMSF continues to maintain its Mercury Testing Program along with program components including the use of longline only, barbless hooks, bleeding, temperature control, etc., all of which combined, are significant components of the CHMSF PLATINUM QA PROGRAM. The CHMSF is pleased


that our industry members are an integral part of the Mercury Testing Program and along with our colleagues in the US will maintain such programs.

We are pleased that the HEALTH CHECK PROGRAM of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has accepted BC ALBACORE/CANADIAN ALBACORE as a Health Check Product because of our PLATINUM QA PROGRAM. We are also pleased that the OCEAN WISE PROGRAM of the Vancouver Aquarium has recognized and accepted BC/Canadian Albacore Tuna within in their sustainable seafood program. In addition, the Seafood Watch Program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, an internationally recognized program on seafood safety, has placed troll caught Albacore Tuna on their “recommended list” and has removed public warnings related to Mercury, in part, based on the data resulting from the CHMSF Mercury Program.

It is the position of the CHMSF that based on ongoing research over the past fifteen years BC/CANADIAN ALBACORE TUNA consistently tests amongst the lowest mercury levels in the world and is an excellent healthy seafood choice.

Executive Director

CHMSF


Summary of CHMSF Mercury testing on Canadian Albacore Tuna

2003 SILVERBEAR SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 312230193 0.097 1

2003 NOOTKA LADY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 312230194 0.185 2

2003 AZULEMAR SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230186 0.289 3

2003 OCEAN

RAMBLER SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230187 0.307 4

2003 ST JEANS SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230188 0.097 5

2003 NOOTKA LADY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 312230195 0.201 6

2003 SILVERBEAR SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 312230196 0.087 7

2003 AZULEMAR SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230189 0.24 8

2003 ONWARD II SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230190 0.151 9

2003 KAL-ANNE SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230191 0.139 10

2003 SCANIA-QUEEN SOLID-ALBACORE-

WATER CANTEST

312230192 0.077 11

2003 PACIFIC HUNTER SOLID-ALBACORE CANTEST

401070188 0.161 12

2003 TRIPLE M SOLID-ALBACORE CANTEST 401070189 0.263 13

2003 OPTIMIST No 1. SOLID-ALBACORE CANTEST 401070190 0.144 14

2003 NORTHERN SPY SOLID - ALBACORE CANTEST 401070191 0.267 15

2003 WESTERLY

WIND SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST

401280043 0.239 16

2003 SUNBEAM SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280044 0.168 17

2003 COVENANT SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280045 0.152 18

2003 SHARLA DAWN SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280046 0.145 19

2003 JACK DAW SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280047 0.135 20

2003 SUMMERS RETREAT SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST

401280048 0.151 21

2003 NINA ELLEN SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280049 0.216 22

2003 TROMSO SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280050 0.136 23

2003 HARVEST MOON III SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST

401280051 0.183 24

2003 KOOTENAY SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 401280052 0.219 25

04-01 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 502010220 0.071 26

















































04-K-1 2004

SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH

CANTEST

507220237 0.153 74

04-K-2 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220241 0.170 75




04-L-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220246 0.054 79




04-M-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220251 0.152 83






04-N-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220258 0.124 88






04-O-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220264 0.215 94









04-P-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220273 0.222 103








04-Q-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220284 0.149 111






04-R-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220291 0.195 117






04-S-1 2004 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH CANTEST 507220307 0.152 123



















































06-10 2006 SOLID-ALBACORE-

CANNED CANTEST

703280284 0.167 173

13-Aug 2015 SOLID-ALBACORE-FLESH ATH472 0.3200 174



MEAN 0.1601


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Canadian Albacore Tuna and Mercury Mercury Report- CHMSF.pdf · Canadian Albacore Tuna and Mercury EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canadian Highly Migratory ... There is a general global concern