Mercury Levels in Tuna Unchanged Over Five Decades, Study Finds

Despite global efforts to reduce mercury emissions, a comprehensive study reveals that mercury levels in tuna have remained stable since 1971.

Researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 tuna samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, finding stable mercury concentrations since 1971.
The study focused on tropical tuna species, which account for 94% of global tuna catches, showing no significant change in mercury levels despite reduced emissions.
Legacy mercury from past pollution is believed to be mixing with shallower ocean waters, maintaining current mercury levels in tuna.
Mathematical models predict that even the most aggressive emission reduction policies would take decades to significantly impact mercury levels in tuna.
The findings underscore the need for more aggressive global mercury emission policies and continuous monitoring of mercury levels in marine life.