This presentation was delivered as part of the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum: Virtual Gathering in August 2021 by Lisa Melnyk with the EPA Office of Research and Development, Daniel Kusnierz with the Penobscot Indian Nation, Michael Stover with the EPA Region 1, and James Lazorchak with the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Penobscot Indian Nation (PIN) tribal members fish for sustenance in the Penobscot River and its tributaries in Maine. Recent removal of dams has resulted in the return of anadromous fish species, including Alewife, American Shad, Blueback Herring, Rainbow Smelt, Striped Bass, and Sea Lamprey, into the Tribe’s waters. USEPA, ATSDR and PIN collaborated on a project to assess the safety of human and wildlife consumption of these returning fish. Attendees will learn about results of this study that included analysis of fish tissue for levels of PCBs, PBDEs, dioxins/furans, and PFAS; and a risk assessment for Penobscot tribal members when engaging in sustenance fishing and their traditional cultural practices. The results will be used by PIN to provide appropriate consumption guidelines and educational outreach materials.
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