(We rely on those fish, so we will recognize them)
In partnership with the University of Minnesota, the Lac du Flambeau (LDF) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Natural Resources is leading a survey effort to update the fish consumption rate on the LDF reservation. Fish consumption rates are used to advise the public of contaminant exposure when consuming fish and shellfish. While an EPA-approved fish consumption advisory exists on the Reservation (32g/day), that rate is outdated as it does not honor LDF cultural and subsistence practices. The rate also fails to acknowledge emerging health concerns like mercury exposure. A culturally-reflective and scientifically-defensible fish consumption rate will aid in conducting accurate contaminant risk assessments and setting water quality standards. This outcome will also support tribal sovereignty and harvesting rights as an updated fish consumption rate will better reflect heritage fish consumption amounts.
Sponsor: LDF Tribal Natural Resources
Timeline: 2025-2026
Contact: Giovanni Delgado-Ortiz ([email protected])