Mercury affecting the reproduction of Maritime Loons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREDERICTON- September 21, 1998 - Three years ago federal government scientists discovered that common loons breeding in the Maritime provinces had the highest blood mercury concentrations in North America. Now they have discovered that these high blood mercury levels are affecting the loons’ ability to successfully nest and raise their young.

Since 1995 Atlantic provinces scientists with Environment Canada have led a collaborative study to measure mercury in Maritime common loons and to assess its effects on loon reproduction, breeding behaviour and health.

Neil Burgess, a biologist with Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, presented the study’s findings today at the Mercury in Eastern Canada and Northeastern United States conference in Fredericton. "Three years ago, we found elevated mercury levels in Maritime loons," said Burgess. "Since that time, we have conducted more studies that now show a strong relationship between the amount of mercury in the birds and how many young they are able to produce ," said Burgess. This is particularly true for loons nesting in the most acidic lakes in the region.

Environment Canada takes an ecosystem approach to studying mercury and its research extends far beyond common loons. "Regional Environment Canada scientists collaborated with universities, other government departments and volunteers to collect a variety of relevant data on mercury in the atmosphere, in lakes and rivers, in fish and wildlife," explains Burgess. "Through these partnerships, a great deal of progress has been made in our understanding of environmental mercury in Atlantic Canada."

The Mercury in Eastern Canada and Northeastern United States conference began today in Fredericton and continues until Wednesday. While today’s presentations concentrated on ecosystem science, tomorrow the presentations will focus on human health aspects. The final day will concentrate on the policy and planning required to continue addressing the issues regarding mercury pollution in this region.

Further information about Environment Canada’s research on Maritime loons and the conference is available on the department’s Green Lane website at http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca.

For further information contact:

Neil Burgess
Wildlife Toxicologist
Environment Canada, Atlantic Region
Sackville, NB
(506) 364-5049

NOTE: Mr. Burgess will be available for interviews in Fredericton during conference proceedings or, he can be reached at the number listed above.

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