JASON SETNYK
After decades of environmental monitoring, scientists say the St. Lawrence River near Cornwall and Akwesasne is showing clear signs of recovery-especially when it comes to fish tumours once linked to industrial pollution.
A public presentation on fish tumours in the St. Lawrence River drew residents to Schnitzels European Flavours on August 20, where the River Institute shared promising new findings about local fish health.
Historically designated as “Impaired” due to high levels of industrial pollutants causing liver tumours in fish like brown bullhead, recent studies now show significant improvement. The River Institute and St. Lawrence River Restoration Council have recommended reclassifying the BUI to “Not Impaired.”
“We’re recommending that the current status of fish tumours… be redesignated as not impaired,” said Lexy Harquail, Biologist and Science Communicator at the River Institute.
“We don’t have more common liver tumours here than in other areas of the Great Lakes that aren’t polluted.”
Georgia Bock, RAP Coordinator, explained that this marks nearly 40 years of work: “To restore the Area of Concern, we have to have all of the beneficial use impairments either restored or considered not impaired. After this, we’ll have six left.”
Harquail emphasized that the decline in industrially linked tumours doesn’t mean all fish deformities are gone. “We’ve heard from anglers about other types of tumours, like lymphosarcoma in pike. But those aren’t linked to historical industrial pollution, which is what this BUI specifically addresses.”
Community feedback plays a crucial role. “We want people to learn more about the RAP and give us feedback. Even if their concerns fall outside this project, we can find a home for them,” said Harquail.
Another BUI currently under review is fish consumption, with community surveys underway.
To learn more, residents are encouraged to visit the River Institute’s website.
L’article Remedial Action Plan: Pollution-Linked Fish Tumours Drop est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
