An Analysis of Variation of Insecticide Residues in Landlocked Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract

High variation in yearly samples of insecticide residues found in landlocked salmon from Sebago Lake, Maine, has necessitated an evaluation of sampling methods and an investigation of causes of variation. A sample of 59 male salmon, composed of ages III+, IV+, and V+, and representing fish in poor and good body condition was collected from a spawning run in the fall of 1967 and analyzed for DDT, DDD, DDE, dieldrin, and fat content. Levels of insecticide residues were found to be highly dependent on age and fat content. DDD and DDE increased with age and fat content, and dieldrin increased with fat content. Age and fat content were interdependent in their effects on DDT levels. DDT was significantly higher in high-fat than in low-fat fish at ages III+ and IV+ but not at age V+, showing a decrease with age among fish with high fat content and remaining constant with age among fish with low fat content. It is recommended that completely random selection of fish for insecticide analyses be abandoned in favor of stratification by sex, age, and fatness. Some of the possible causes of variation in insecticide content of salmon are discussed.