Trace elements in oceanic pelagic communities in the western Indian Ocean.
The mineral composition of target and non-target pelagic fish caught by purse-seiners and longliners in the western-central Indian Ocean was determined. From the 10 essential elements analysed, selenium and zinc showed the highest concentrations in swordfish and blue marlin while Indian mackerel appeared as a good source of copper, iron and chrome. All catch had levels of lead and cadmium, two toxic elements, below the maximum sanitary limits. Although some concerns were raised regarding mercury concentrations in the largest species (wahoo, swordfish and blue marlin), molar ratios of mercury and selenium indicate that all oceanic pelagic fish from the western-central Indian Ocean are safe for human consumption. This study also gives insights on the relationships between the levels of essential and toxic elements in fish muscle and the size, trophic position and diet sources of the studied pelagic species.
Institute for Research and Development (IRD), UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles. Electronic address: nathalie.bodin@ird.fr.
Nathalie
N
Bodin
Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
Dora
D
Lesperance
Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
Rona
R
Albert
Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
Stephanie
S
Hollanda
Ministry of Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
Philippe
P
Michaud
Institute for Research and Development (IRD), UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
Maxime
M
Degroote
LIENSs, UMR 7266, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17000 La Rochelle, France.
Carine
C
Churlaud
LIENSs, UMR 7266, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17000 La Rochelle, France.
Paco
P
Bustamante
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D019156:Indian Ocean; D017747:Seafood / Q000032:analysis; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity
D014131:Trace Elements
Environmental risk assessment; Mercury; Seafood; Selenium; Tuna fisheries' bycatch