Summary

Description

From June 21 to 25, 1990, 21 largemouth bass Micropterussa salmoides and five spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus were collected from selected locations at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Collier County, Florida for analysis of mercury concentrations in muscle tissue. The largemouth bass were from 223 to 371 mm 8.814.6 in in length. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.19 to 0.82 mgkg wet wt ppm. Fortythree percent of the bass, including at least one individual in all length classes greater than or equal to 229 mm 9 in, had mercury levels that exceeded the Florida limitedconsumption concentration of 0.5 ppm wet weight. The spotted gar were from 410 to 750 mm 16.129.5 in in length. Mercury levels in all gar range 0.72 to 1.45 ppm exceeded the limited consumption concentration. None of the fish had concentrations of mercury in excess of Floridas noconsumption concentration 1.5 ppm. Although all the locations sampled appeared to provide environments conducive for accumulation of mercury in largemouth bass and spotted gar, bioaccumulation was greater at two sampling stations Canal 2 west of State Highway 29 and Bullet Pond. Several fish and wildlife trust species may be at risk when utilizing the habitat areas sampled. Additional environmental contaminant studies to determine the scope, magnitude and effects of mercury contamination are recommended.