Mercury concentrations and trophic relations in sharks of the Pacific Ocean of Colombia. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vélez, Natalia; Bessudo, Sandra; Barragán-Barrera, Dalia C.; Ladino, Felipe; Bustamante, Paco; Luna-Acosta, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 173:Part B(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Sharks -- Total mercury -- Stable isotopes -- Human health risks -- Trophic ecology -- Colombian Pacific; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Sharks are fished for human consumption in Colombia, and fins are exported illegally to international markets. The goal was to identify differences in total mercury (THg) concentrations in fins and muscles of shark species seized in the Buenaventura port (Colombian Pacific), and to assess potential human health risks related to shark consumption. Seven species were considered in this study: Pelagic Thresher ( Alopias pelagicus ), Pacific Smalltail Shark ( Carcharhinus cerdale ), Brown Smoothhound ( Mustelus henlei ), Sicklefin Smoothhound ( Mustelus lunulatus ), Scalloped Bonnethead ( Sphyrna corona ), Scalloped Hammerhead ( Sphyrna lewini ), and Bonnethead Shark ( Sphyrna tiburo ), and THg was analyzed in shark tissues. 24% muscle samples concentrations were above international recommended limits for human consumption, especially for A. pelagicus and S. lewini . Stable isotopes ( δ 13 C and δ 15 N) analysis showed a foraging overlapping in coastal habitats, where overfishing usually occurs. This study provides useful scientific information to develop management plans for sharks in Colombia and neighboring countries. Highlights: Total-Mercury contamination and trophic ecology of sharks was assessed in Colombia. Mercury varied according to the species and was moderate compared to other studies. Risk assessment values suggested human health risks due to shark consumption. Stable isotopes analysis showed a shark foraging overlapping in coastal habitats. Isotope analyses suggested that coastal areas have the highest capture of sharks.