EGLE's report entitled "A Strategic Environmental Quality Monitoring Program for Michigan's Surface Waters" (Strategy) describes the monitoring activities that are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of water quality in Michigan's surface waters. One component of the Strategy is expanded and improved fish contaminant monitoring.
The Michigan Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program (FCMP) has been in existence since 1980. Prior to 1986, fish contaminant monitoring studies were conducted primarily to investigate localized areas of contamination. In 1986, the FCMP was redesigned to allow a better assessment of chemical contamination in fish throughout the state's surface waters. Fish contaminant data are used to determine whether fish from waters of the state are safe for human and wildlife consumption, and as a surrogate measure of bioaccumulative contaminants in surface water.
Fish contaminant monitoring locations are determined each year based on several factors including available budget, contaminant data collected by other programs (e.g. surface water PFAS monitoring), requests received from the Targeted Monitoring Request program, surveys from our partner agencies (e.g. Michigan Department of Natural Resources [MDNR]), and the Water Resources Division's 5-year rotating watershed monitoring strategy.
The fish are collected through a variety of methods including electrofishing, gill-netting, trap-netting, seining, and hook and line.
Once collected, the fish are stored frozen until a large batch (200 to 300 fish) of samples can be processed and sent over to the MDHHS laboratory for contaminant analysis. The FCMP holds between 6 and 8 fish processing days each year.
Fish tissues are analyzed for bioaccumulative contaminants of concern including mercury, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides (e.g. DDT/DDE/DDD), dioxins, furans, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Data are reviewed each year to determine whether there are additional new parameters of concern for which the fish should be analyzed.
A database containing all fish contaminant data is maintained by the EGLE. All fish contaminant data are summarized in an annual fish contaminant report produced by EGLE's Water Resources Division. These data and other FCMP information are available by contacting Brandon Armstrong at 517-256-1853 or ArmstrongB5@Michigan.gov.
The FCMP data are used by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to develop Eat Safe Fish Guides that are updated annually. Summaries of the data used by MDHHS for the Eat Safe Fish Guides are available via the Reports & Science button on Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish
Also, the SWAS Manager serves as chair of Michigan's Fish and Wildlife Contaminant Advisory Committee (FAWCAC). FAWCAC is responsible for coordinating efforts to monitor contaminants in fish and wildlife and issue consumption advisories in Michigan.
Management of environmental protection programs intended to reduce or eliminate contaminant loads to the environment. Sampling includes fish and wildlife in the environment and caged organisms to measure uptake of contaminants.
Assuring the safety of commercially sold or raised fish and wildlife. Sampling includes fish and wildlife in commerce or destined for commerce.
Management of wildlife and commercial and recreational fisheries. Sampling includes fish and wildlife in the environment.
Evaluation of fish and wildlife contaminant monitoring data from the human health perspective and preparation of fish and wildlife consumption advisories. Analyses include assessment of human exposure and risk from eating fish and wildlife containing contaminants.
Dr. Brandon Armstrong, ArmstrongB5@Michigan.gov, 517-256-1853
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