Larger, predatory fish tend to have higher concentrations of mercury

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Mercury is a metal which bioaccumulates – which means it can build up in tissues. It is a potent toxin that affects the nervous system of mammals and is especially harmful to developing fetuses. It can cause sensory loss, tremors, loss of muscular coordination, speech, hearing, and visual problems, as well as increased risk of heart attack.

Mercury gets into the environment when toxic waste is burned and the mercury molecules fall from the smoke onto the ground and into water. It moves up the food chain when herbivores eat contaminated plants and drink contaminated water; these animals in turn are consumed by predators, which have a higher concentration of mercury in their flesh.

Californian scientists have found that the mercury in fish is found as a compound with carbon and sulphur, not as methyl-mercury chloride as previously assumed. Further research needs to be done, but it may mean that the mercury in fish is not as toxic as previously thought.

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