Total Mercury in Mugil spp and Eugerres axillaris of a Subtropical Lagoon of NW Mexico.

The mercury content of mullets and black mojarras of Urías lagoon (NW Mexico) were determined every second month from November 2012 to September 2013, to determine differences related to season or to trophic levels. The Hg contents of the muscle were significantly higher in mojarras, confirming that Hg contents tend to increase along the food chain, while the levels in liver were higher in mullets, suggesting different Hg storage strategies of these species. In mullets, the content of muscles did not vary seasonally and was significantly lower than in the liver. In black mojarras there were no significant differences between muscle and liver, and the lowest mean values were in May in both tissues. Given the low Hg contents, both species are safe for human consumption, but care should be taken in traditional fishing communities.