A new technique has been applied to the ear bone of Arctic Grayling and Slimy Sculpin

A new technique has been applied to the ear bone of Arctic Grayling and Slimy Sculpin which measures heavy metal concentrations in fish. Dr. Norman Halden from the University of Manitoba developed the technique of fish otolith microchemistry and the Yukon Research Centre, Access Consulting Group, and Na-cho Nyak Dun First Nation applied it on fish from the Keno Hill mining district. “This technique has the potential to provide First Nations, regulators, and other Northerners with robust data to inform land and water decisions in Yukon,” said Dr. Amelie Janin, Industrial Research Chair of the Centre. “This information could advance our understanding of the local ecosystem and become an additional technique in the environmental assessment toolbox.” Said Chief Simon Mervyn, “Our nation is interested in using research and innovation to assist us in better understanding and managing these impacts to further support us in being successful environmental stewards.” The baseline data can assess contaminants exposure over the lifespan of the fish species.