Researchers from Dartmouth College and the University of Vermont are working with the Lake Champlain Basin Program to measure mercury concentrations in Lake Champlain fish. The survey is conducted every 5 years to inform healthy eating choices and to understand how changing environmental conditions are affecting mercury levels in fish in Lake Champlain. While many samples were collected in summer 2022, fish muscle samples are still needed for two species from five of the seven basins of Lake Champlain between May 2023 and September 5, 2023.

The two types of fish that continue to be sought from anglers are:

  • Walleye
  • Lake trout

Thanks so much to those who have contributed fish or fish muscle samples! Here is how we’re doing on our target collections as of May 10, 2023:

  • Lake segment A (Missisquoi): walleye (need 9)
  • Lake segment B (Northeast Arm): walleye (need 8)
  • Lake segment C (North Main): walleye (need 5); lake trout (need 10)
  • Lake segment D (Mallets Bay): Complete!
  • Lake segment E (Main Lake): Complete!
  • Lake segment F (South Main Lake): walleye (need 10); lake trout (need 10)
  • Lake segment G (South Lake): walleye (need 10)

This year, we have partnered with local markets, bait shops and marinas to serve as fish muscle sample collection sites. See below for where you can bring fish samples. Each sample must include a 1″ x 1″ fish muscle sample (cut from the thicker end of the fish fillet), the length and weight of the fish, the fish species, and the date and segment of the lake where the fish was caught. The drop off sites have project flyers on which you can record this information along with freezer bags for your samples.

If you have questions about this study, you can email hginfish@dartmouth.edu.

Sites include:

  • Hog Island Market, 172 Lakewood Dr, Swanton, VT 05488 (open 8 am-5pm daily)
  • Martin’s General Store, 2934 US-7, Highgate Springs, VT 05460 (open 6am-7pm most days)
  • Bridgeview Harbor Marina, 54 Harbour Ln, Port Henry, NY 12974 (open 9am-5pm most days)
  • Indian Bay Marina, 237 Corlear Dr, Willsboro, NY 12996 (open 4-9pm weekdays and 12-9pm weekends)

Fish drawings used with permission of Joseph Tomelleri.