Mercury levels: Climate change and overfishing are increasing toxic mercury levels in fish

Mercury levels in the seafood supply are on the rise, and climate change and overfishing are partially to blame, according to a new study. Scientists said mercury levels in the oceans have fallen since the late 1990s, but levels in popular fish such as tuna, salmon and swordfish are on the rise.According to a new study by Harvard University researchers in the journal Nature, some fish are adapting to overfishing of small herring and sardines by changing their diets to consume species with higher mercury levels. Climate change — and the rising ocean temperatures that come with it — means fish are more active and need more food to survive. #ClimateChange is hitting your dinner plate: Warming oceans are leading to an increase in the harmful neurotoxicant methylmercury in popular seafood, including cod, Atlantic bluefin tuna and swordfish https://t.co/BzCx477TFQ pic.twitter.com/G4z8rgZFwLThe study also found that mercury levels in Atlantic bluefin tuna have increased by an estimated 56% due to seawater temperature rise since 1969. Climate change "is not just about what the weather is like in 10 years," said lead researcher Amina Schartup. "It's also about what's on your plate in the next five."Scientists said human exposure to methylmercury — the compound created when mercury enters the ocean — is especially risky for pregnant women, as it has been linked to long-term neurological disorders when fetuses are exposed in the womb. So, much of our current seafood supply actually contains more mercury than before.According to a recent report by Australian climate experts, the world's oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of its fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path. Scientists said stronger regulations are needed for greenhouse gases and mercury emissions in order to keep our fish supply healthy and thriving. Climate change "is not just about what the weather is like in 10 years," said researcher Amina Schartup. Climate change "is not just about what the weather is like in 10 years," said researcher Amina Schartup. Financier Jeffrey Epstein was found unresponsive in a New York City jail cell and was later pronounced dead. His death comes a day after the release of thousands of documents from a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims Epstein kept her as a sex slave.