Wildlife Biomagnification Factor Study - Methyl Mercury Exposure and Risk

Wildlife Study (2013) – Released 2015

The Wildlife Study (2012-2103) developed and demonstrated methods for monitoring mercury in two closely-related avian wildlife species that are widely distributed across the state's lakes and reservoirs. Monitoring mercury in blood proved to be a particularly effective technique for obtaining estimates of wildlife risk across all of the lakes. The study also provided guidance on the prey fish monitoring that is needed to support estimation of wildlife risk, when wildlife cannot be directly sampled.

• Fact Sheet [3.9 MB]
• Report [4.0 MB]
• Tool [Excel]

Supporting Documents

• Monitoring Plan
• Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
  • Report Only
  • Appendices
    • Appendix 1
    • Appendix 2
    • Appendix 3
    • Appendix 4
    • Appendix 5
    • Appendix 6
    • Attachments
  • Full QAPP with Appendices [15.4 MB]
• Small Fish Cruise Reports
  • Year-One Cruise Report [6.1 MB]
  • Year-Two Cruise Report [4.3 MB]

More Information

• For additional information on this study, please email Jennifer Salisbury or phone (916) 319-0232.
• About Bioaccumulation Oversight Group (BOG)
• Is It Safe to Eat Fish and Shellfish From Our Waters?