"Stable Mercury Levels in Tuna Over 50 Years, Study Finds"

A study published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that despite global efforts to reduce mercury emissions, levels of methylmercury in tuna have remained largely unchanged since 1971. Researchers warn that more aggressive emission reduction targets are necessary to lower tuna mercury levels, as the fish accumulate high levels of methylmercury from contaminated prey. The study suggests that legacy mercury from deeper ocean waters may be contributing to the static levels in tuna, and forecasts that even the most restrictive emission policy would take 10 to 25 years to influence oceanic mercury concentrations, with drops in tuna levels following decades later. The findings emphasize the need for stronger global efforts to reduce mercury emissions and continuous monitoring of mercury in ocean life.