BENEFICIAL USE
IMPAIRMENTS
When human activity negatively interferes with the use or enjoyment of a water use, it’s called a Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI). This may include changes to the chemical, physical, or biological integrity of the ecosystem. The International Joint Commission (IJC) selected 14 BUIs to address common issues across all Areas of Concern (AOCs). BUIs must be restored through targeted restoration efforts to improve the ecological health of an AOC.
BUI 01
RESTRICTIONS ON
FISH AND WILDLIFE
CONSUMPTION
STATUS & CRITERIA
Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption was identified as “Impaired” in the 1992 Stage 1 Report: Environmental Conditions and Problem Definitions, due to the presence of mercury from historic Cornwall industries.
This BUI has remained “Impaired” since 1992.
This BUI can be redesignated as “Not Impaired” when the following Delisting Criteria have been met:
1.1 Consumption advisories for fish of interest in the AOC are non-restrictive or no more restrictive than the advisories for suitable reference site(s) due to contaminants from locally controllable sources.
1.2 An increase in the Akwesasne community knowledge and/or willingness to engage in safe biocultural and traditional consumption of fish and wildlife.
CONSUMPTION SURVEY
As part of our assessment of the Fish and Wildlife Consumption BUI, a fish consumption survey was conducted within the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall/Akwesasne) Area of Concern from April to November 2025. These responses were used to determine a list of 12 “fish of interest” specific to our AOC, as well as provide a snapshot of local consumption habits such as portion sizes and cooking methods. Check out the full report to learn more!
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