Mercury concentrations and trophic relations in sharks of the Pacific Ocean of Colombia

Published on
05 November 2021

Mercury concentrations and trophic relations in sharks of the Pacific Ocean of Colombia

Natalia Vélez, Sandra Bessudo, Dalia C. Barragán-Barrera, Felipe Ladino, Paco Bustamante, Andrea Luna-Acosta

ABSTRACT:

Sharks are fished for human consumption in Colombia, and fins are exported illegally to international markets. The goal was to identify differences in total mercury (THg) concentrations in fins and muscles of shark species seized in the Buenaventura port (Colombian Pacific), and to assess potential human health risks related to shark consumption. Seven species were considered in this study: Pelagic Thresher (Alopias pelagicus), Pacific Smalltail Shark (Carcharhinus cerdale), Brown Smoothhound (Mustelus henlei), Sicklefin Smoothhound (Mustelus lunulatus), Scalloped Bonnethead (Sphyrnacorona), Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo), and THg was analyzed in shark tissues. 24% muscle samples concentrations were above international recommended limits for human consumption, especially for A. pelagicus and S. lewini. Stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) analysis showed a foraging overlapping in coastal habitats, where overfishing usually occurs. This study provides useful scientific information to develop management plans for sharks in Colombia and neighboring countries.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 173, Part B, December 2021, 113109

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