Benefits and risks of consuming Lake Champlain game fish: distribution and drivers of omega 3 fatty acids and contaminants across contrasting regions of the lake

Timeline

February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2026

Description

This project will evaluate the levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in commonly caught game fish from both nearshore and offshore regions of Lake Champlain, compare their distribution with those of the widespread contaminants mercury (Hg) and per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) to inform the risks and benefits of fish consumption, and fill important data gaps in nutrient and contaminant levels in fish species commonly caught from shore.

• Objective 1. Determine how n-3 FA levels and fatty acid compositions vary between game fish species, and by geographic location (tributary vs. inshore vs. offshore) within the same species of fish. 
• Objective 2. Fill current data gaps in n-3 FA and contaminant (Hg, PFAS) data by sampling and analyzing fish species commonly caught from shore (sunfish, carp, sucker fish).
• Objective 3. Assess the drivers and relationships between levels of beneficial nutrients (n-3 FA) and harmful contaminants (Hg, PFAS) within and across multiple fish species and regions of the lake.

Researcher(s)