LAKE LENORE, Sask. - The Saskatchewan government is issuing new guidelines for fish consumption from Lake Lenore because of recent testing for mercury in walleye and northern pike.
The department is saying walleye over 60 centimetres long should not be eaten at all, while children and pregnant women shouldn't eat any over 40 centimetres.
Healthy adults are being told to eat only one fish meal a week if it's between 40 and 50 centimetres, and only one meal every two weeks if the fish is between 50 and 60 centimetres.
As for northern pike, children and pregnant women should not eat any fish over 50 centimetres while healthy adults should limit consumption to one meal a week.
A meal is considered to be eight ounces of fish.
The Environment Department tested Lake Lenore fish in December and test results showed the mercury levels were higher than were found in fish collected in 1996.
The province says exposure to naturally occurring mercury at high concentrations can damage the brain and nervous system.
The risks are greatest for infants and unborn children.
