Mercury Levels in Fijian Seafoods and Potential Health Implications

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• Fish steaks: Steaks of various fish species (marlin, swordfish, sailfish, sunfish, walu,
shark, wahoo, mahi mahi, Skipjack and kalia-blacksnapper) were bought from the
local fish shops. The steak diameter was measured across the vertebral column and
the samples were packed in clean plastic bags and frozen. Each steak was analysed
separately.
• Reef fish (kaikai): A large bundle of small-sized reef fish was purchased from the
Suva market. Five fish were randomly selected from the bundle, length and weight
recorded, packed in clean plastic bags and frozen. Each fish was analysed separately.
• Canned Tuna and Mackerel: Three brands of canned albacore tuna, two brands of
canned skipjack tuna and four brands of canned mackerel were bought from local
supermarkets. Each can was opened, the contents emptied in a clean plastic bag,
mashed and frozen until analysis. The contents of each can were analysed separately.
Table 1: Scientific and local names (where available) of fish and shellfish species
analysed in this study
Species Scientific Name Local Name
Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares
Skipjack Tuna Katsuwanas pelamis
Bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus
Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus commerson Walu
Striped marlin 1
Tetrapturus audax
Blue marlin 1
Makaira mazara
Barracuda Sphyraena sp. Oqo
Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Sailfish Istiophorus platypterus
Opah Lamprius regius
Sunfish Mola mola
Mahi Mahi Coryphaena sp. Maimai
Black snapper Macolor niger
Reef fish - Kaikai
Goatfish Parupeneus barberinus Mataroko
Parrot Fish Scarus sp. Ulavi
Rabbit fish Siganus puntatus Nuqa
Peacock cod Cephalopholis argus Kawakawa
Unicornfish Naso unicornis Ta
Shellfish Anadara antiquata Kaikoso
Freshwater mussels Batissa violacea Kai
1 The exact species of marlin supplied by the fish company was unknown so the two species they catch are listed in this
table.