Organochlorine concentrations in Laurentian Great Lakes salmonines: implications for fisheries management

Salmon and trout caught by anglers in the Great Lakes are a significant source of organochlorine (OC) exposure for their consumers. To assess how stocking may affect the exposure of anglers to OC compounds via fish consumption, creel survey data and OC analysis data for salmon and trout collected from the western water of Michigan lake in 1985 and 1990 were examined. Total PCB had the highest concentration followed by DDT and its metabolites, chlordane and its metabolites, and dieldrin, respectively. The relative concentrations of PCB and OC pesticides remained constant in all species except the brook trout. Lake trout had the highest OC concentrations in 1985 followed by brown trout, chinook salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout and coho salmon, respectively. In 1990 lake trout had the highest OC levels followed by chinook salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout and coho salmon. Chinook salmon and lake trout contributed the greatest proportion of OCs to the 1985 and 1990 sports catches, respectively. Stocking policies influenced the exposure of sport fish consumers to OC compounds in Michigan lake. There are 43 references.