Mercury and Contaminants Monitoring

FWC implemented a statewide alligator mercury and health monitoring program in 2016 to address any concerns regarding the potential for mercury in alligator meat. The main objectives of this program were to 1) determine mercury levels in alligator tissue from statewide alligator management units (AMUs), and 2) recommend the issuance of mercury tags or other actions on AMUs with an estimated mercury level ≥1.0 mg/kg for adult alligators. Additionally, blood samples were collected from each alligator and archived for future alligator health research.