Mercury in Silver Creek Trout  Home

This finding is the result of a study funded by The Nature Conservancy because we have been aware of the mercury readings in southern Idaho. The raw data from the 2007 study showed showed high mercury levels in brown trout, sometimes as high as four times the amount considered healthy for children and pregnant women.

 This is obviously of serious concern for the Conservancy. We have worked at Silver Creek for 31 years, creating a wonderful conservation success story by working with landowners and local communities. We always pay careful attention to the health of this beautiful stream, so important to people in the Wood River Valley, and, indeed, around the world.

 As the final report has not been issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (who conducted the survey), we want to wait until we have the interpretations of that report before acting, so we can base our decisions on the best available science.

 We are aware that there are nuances in this survey. Brown trout live long, and eat other fish, which may influence mercury level readings.

We do not know the source of this mercury. That information will have to come from DEQ, and potentially may involve sources outside of Idaho.
 We believe that agencies must act when the interpretation of data is released. We believe that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare must explain the public health issues associated with these mercury levels as soon as possible. We also request that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) determine the source of this mercury and act appropriately to control it within Idaho, or by working with neighboring states.
The Nature Conservancy has faced other threats to Silver Creek. Working together, we will work to address this latest issue to potentially impact this world-class trout stream.

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