April 19, 2024
Interim Fish Consumption Advice for Schist Lake
Manitoba Environment and Climate Change is advising people to limit their consumption of fish from Schist Lake to no more than four meals per month, due to elevated concentrations of selenium. The province has reached out to area residents to discuss the fish consumption guidelines and will continue to work with the community.
Schist Lake is located in northwestern Manitoba near Flin Flon, along the border between Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Eating fish is a healthy choice when consumption guidelines are followed. Recent fish sampling indicates concentrations of selenium in fish from Schist Lake are elevated compared to historical monitoring. The risk of short- or long-term health effects from consuming fish from Schist Lake is low. This advice applies to all fish species in Schist Lake.
The province is working with industries in the area to find ways to reduce selenium concentrations in Schist Lake.
Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a major role in the healthy functioning of all living organisms. Not having enough selenium in the diet can have negative health effects. However, too much selenium can also have negative health effects.
The Manitoba government will update consumption advice as more data becomes available, if needed.
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