Socioeconomic Toxicity

One pressing environmental issue is the increase of many anthropogenic toxins that accumulate in fish species, which are later consumed by humans. Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of a certain substance as it accumulates in individuals, moving up a food web. A classic example of this is DDT. Many pesticides used this toxic chemical until 1972. After a while, many aquatic and bird species started to show drastically negative effects as a direct result of this toxin. Runoff from coastal lands would permeate oceans and lakes. Fish would live in the water, and consume algae and other organisms, that acquired these toxins. As the larger fish consumed many smaller fish, the concentrations of these toxins increased dramatically as they moved up each trophic level.

Fish and other seafoods are very popular for human consumption. Just as these toxins were harming fish and birds, the accumulation of toxins proved to be hazardous for humans as well. A study conducted by Patrick C. West et al has shown that minorities and the elderly are affected by these toxins more than the average fisherman in Michigan. Their data also suggests that this is a common trend between states. This study suggests legislation to enhance water quality standards, as well as increasing education and advising for minorities and elderly individuals about the risks of certain species fish consumption.