Work conducted in Bermuda by the Atlantis Project in 2003 identified the presence of elevated levels of mercury in some human fetal cord blood samples and some local fish species. A follow-up project has been initiated in 2005 to further examine the issue of mercury in Bermuda. This should help identify the levels and sources of mercury in the local environment.

Current research is focusing on the levels and speciation of mercury in Wahoo, air and precipitation. This work is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Rob Mason, formerly of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, UMCES, and now at the University of Connecticut.

Samples of the major edible fish species in Bermuda, such as Wahoo, are also being collected for analysis of mercury to better quantify any possible human health risk arising from the consumption of these fish. These samples will be analyzed by Prof. Eric Dewailly of the Atlantis Project at Laval University. Fish sampling is being conducted in collaboration with the Bermuda Government's Department of Conservation Services and representatives of the local commercial fishing industry.

The Bermuda Mercury Program is funded by the Government of Bermuda.

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