Tests show shark meat samples contain high levels of mercury

Channel NewsAsia 6 May 08;
and Today Online 6 May 07;

SINGAPORE: Shark's fin lovers beware. Some shark meat contains high levels of mercury that may be harmful to you.

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and international conservation group Wildaid on Monday said tests done on 10 random shark meat samples here show that three contained mercury readings higher than 0.5 ppm (parts per million) the maximum mercury residue limit in Singapore.

SEC executive director Howard Shaw said he hopes people will consume less shark's fin when they know the health issues.

"Our approach is 'If the buying stops, the killing will too'," he said.

WildAid director Peter Knights added: "The scale of demand for shark's fin far outstrips the supply, leading to illegal fishing and decimated populations. This will damage marine ecosystems and other fish stocks."

Mr Shaw said SEC will hold discussions with the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) within the next month regarding the possibility of printing health advisories on shark meat products here.

He explained that people should learn that mercury might affect certain groups of people very badly for example, pregnant women and children.

"Mercury has absolutely no health benefits whatsoever. We're not calling for a ban on shark meat products but for people to know what they're eating and the health concerns," added Mr Knights.

An AVA spokesman said it has been monitoring mercury levels in fish and seafood, including shark's fin, since 1980. He added that mercury readings in seafood here are "no cause for serious concern".

Mercury is present in the sea naturally because of volcanic activity. Fishes higher up in the foodchain, such as tuna and shark, tend to have higher levels of mercury.

The spokesman added: "Our advice to the public is to have a varied diet. Expecting mothers should consume tuna in moderation and choose smaller fish as the foetus is more susceptible to the neurological damage caused by mercury."