Long-term Monitoring of Trace Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Lake Trout from Kusawa Lake and Lake Laberge, Yukon

The objective of this project is to maintain current data on contaminants levels in lake trout from two Yukon lakes (Laberge and Kusawa) to continue to assess the temporal trends of contaminants such as trace metals (e.g. mercury, selenium, arsenic), organochlorine contaminants (e.g. PCBs, DDT, toxaphene), selected current use chemicals such as brominated flame retardants (e.g. PBDEs), and fluorinated organic compounds (e.g. PFOS and its precursors) so as to determine whether the levels of these contaminants in fish, and thus exposure to people who consume them, are increasing or decreasing with time. These results will also help to test the effectiveness of international controls. The project partners with three First Nations who hold traditional territory on these lakes (Taan Kwachan Council, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Kwanlin Dun First Nation) to sample the fish and engage with youth and elders to foster dialogue on contaminants and local and indigenous knowledge.