However, the governor downplayed the findings.

“The early findings show no reason whatsoever to stop eating or even for most individuals to reduce their consumption of fish,” said Gov. Palin. “I love Alaska seafood and will continue to enjoy it on a regular basis.”

Eating fish is recommended as part of a healthy diet. Ling cod, rockfish, halibut, dogfish and shark are considered safe for consumption. However, pregnant women and children under the age of 6 should consider whether they should eat large quantities of these larger, older fish.

Halibut caught by Alaska’s commercial fishing industry and commonly sold to restaurants and grocery stores poses minimal risk for consumers because average weights of commercial landings are about 25 pounds.

The source of the mercury is thought to be deposition of airborne mercury from distant sources. It is this same phenomenon believed to be responsible for elevated levels of mercury in other parts of the world.

The state is being proactive in its approach to educating the public.

“We want an open and transparent process to consider both what the mercury data means and what advice we should be providing to the public,” said Gov. Palin. “Before we draw any firm conclusions or make any specific recommendations, we will hold a series of public workshops to present and consider the information we have and to talk about potential health effects. On a topic this important, to so many Alaskans, we need to hear from all experts and interests.”

More information on the data and on the proposed public hearings will be available in March.

The Marine Aquaculture Task Force, formed to identify potential ways to develop sustainable offshore aquaculture, has released its final report.

According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, most capture fisheries are either fully exploited or have been overfished, while demand for seafood continues to grow.

The task force identified six key areas that must be addressed to ensure that marine aquaculture poses minimal risks to the health of marine ecosystems and that will promote a more sustainable U.S. marine aquaculture industry. They are governance, escapes, disease and parasites, water pollution, feeds and market-based incentives. The task force’s review of these areas of concern and their recommendations are in a 142-page report published by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and can be found through the institute’s Web site at http://www.whoi.edu.

The task force emphasizes that its mission was neither to promote nor attack offshore aquaculture, rather to identify potential problems and provide potential solutions.