Abstract:

In the present study, yearly hunting data for the period 1993–2020 is used to estimate subsistence annual harvest, consumed meat and subsequent methylmercury (MeHg) exposure of six selected Greenlandic municipalities. We compared the estimated yearly MeHg exposure for these municipalities with the calculated Provisional Tolerably Yearly Intake (PTYI) of MeHg based on the population numbers over the three decades. Three of six municipalities exceeded the PTYI. In Northwest Greenland (Qaanaaq), there was no temporal development exceeding the PTYI by 10.7-folds (range: 4.3–21.8). In East Greenland, MeHg exposure increased significantly over the study period for Ittoqqortoormiit exceeding the PTYI by 3.2-folds (range: 0.5 to 7.0) -fold above PTYI (1.7–2.7 g), mainly driven by the narwhal (Monodon monoceros). In Tasiilaq, the PTYI was exceeded by 1.6-fold; (range: 0.2 to 8.0) -fold above PTYI (14.2–15.4 g), mainly due to the recent hunt of white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and killer whale (Orcinus orca). These findings show that climate change is causing a northward redistributions of toothed whales that due to subsistent harvest increases human MeHg exposure. We therefore recommend that the observed increasing trends in hunting and human MeHg exposures are monitored closely to establish future quotas to protect the health of wildlife and of the Greenland Inuit population. Meanwhile we provide information on the amount of meat of each toothed whale species that can be safely consumed for men, women, and children based on the EFSA recommendations for Provisional Tolerably weekly Intake (PTWI) of MeHg.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.122555