Mirex and Its Metabolites Trends in Levels of Lake Ontario Coho and Chinook Salmon

Abstract

Although a considerable amount of data has been generated concerning mirex and photomirex in Lake Ontario, the statistical design, or lack thereof, in previous studies has made it difficult to interpret yearly contaminant trends. For example, recent studies have suggested decreased or decreasing mirex contamination in Lake Ontario fish (Armstrong and Sloan 1980; NYSDEC 1981). Yet other work has indicated that the Niagara River continues to supply considerable amounts of mirex from storage facilities located along the river (Allan et al. 1983; Kaminsky et al. 1983; Kuntz and Warry 1983; Kauss 1983). I report here an increase in mirex and photomirex in Lake Ontario salmon.