Update on Mercury Levels in Silver Creek Trout

As widely reported today, the U.S. Geological Survey issued a press release explaining that the 2007 report that found elevated mercury levels in Silver Creek brown trout was based on a laboratory error and that mercury levels in Silver Creek are not as high as thought.

The health advisory for Silver Creek trout has been lifted.

At The Nature Conservancy, we're relieved by this news. Obviously, we must continue to monitor trout in Silver Creek for mercury levels, as mercury is still present in these fish.

The Conservancy's Silver Creek Preserve is strictly "catch and release" so the new findings do not change anything on our preserve.

It's important to note that about 2o southern Idaho lakes, reservoirs and waterways still contain mercury advisories--and on many of these waters, people do catch fish for eating.
This is still a serious issue. The Idaho Conservation League has been a leader on addressing mercury in southern Idaho waters, working to educate and advocate for healthy waters.

Wild Idaho fish should be a sustainable, healthful food--not come with health warnings.