| Project Description |
Project Dates: 2007-2008 |
The project was funded by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program of the California State Water Resources Control Board. This Lakes Survey marks the beginning of a new long-term, statewide, comprehensive bioaccumulation monitoring program for California surface waters. The Lakes Survey sampled more than 200 of the most popular fishing lakes in the state and also conducted a random sampling of 50 of California’s other 9,000 lakes to provide a statistical statewide assessment. This Survey is a preliminary screening of contamination in sport fish from these lakes. The species selected for sampling are known to accumulate high concentrations and be good indicators of contamination problems. Fish tissues were analyzed for methyl mercury, PCBs, dieldrin, DDTs, chlordanes, and selenium.
Monitoring Objectives
The Lakes Survey was designed to answer three questions:
- What is the condition of California lakes with respect to contaminants in sport fish?
- Should a specific lake be considered for inclusion on the 303(d) list due to bioaccumulation of contaminants in sport fish?
- Should additional sampling of contaminants in sport fish at a lake be conducted for the purpose of developing consumption guidelines?
Survey Area
|
