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Hunting in Yukon
Fishing in Yukon
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Eating Yukon fish
Health benefits
Fish are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals important for good health1. Canada’s Food Guide recommends that we eat at least two servings (of 75 grams each) of fish each week. Eating fish on a regular basis can also lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes2.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Numerous studies and reports have linked eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to many health benefits like lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of heart attack, and even increased longevity3,4.
Fish vary in the amount of omega-3 fatty acids they contain. Some fish from our clean, cold Yukon waters have levels that are equal to or greater than other store-bought fish.
| Species | Omega-3 fatty acids (g/100g serving) |
|
| Yukon fish | lake whitefish | 0.72 |
| northern pike | 0.21 | |
| lake trout | 0.18 | |
| Other fish | pollock | 0.38 |
| haddock | 0.18 | |
| Atlantic cod | 0.19 | |
| halibut | 0.51 | |
| coho salmon (non Yukon) | 1.23 | |
| chinook salmon (non Yukon) | 2.32 | |
Omega-3 fatty acid values for Yukon fish are based on an average value from a small number of fish that have been sampled. Further work will determine levels in other Yukon species and how these levels may vary from lake to lake. Omega-3 fatty acid values for non-Yukon fish from Health Canada: Canadian Nutrient File 2010.
Parasites
Parasites may be found in the flesh and organs of some Yukon fish. Many of these parasites are unsightly, but are not harmful to humans. When handling and cleaning any fish, ensure that proper hygiene is practiced. Always ensure that fish is cooked thoroughly. Parasite load varies between species and lakes. Some populations tend to have a higher parasite load. Please do not harvest these fish unless you plan on eating them. For more information, download the Common Parasites of Yukon Fresh Water Fishes brochure. This brochure describes the 11 most common parasites found in Yukon freshwater fish. |
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Mercury
Recent studies have shown that Yukon fish are safe to eat. Men, and women who are not of child-bearing age, and children over the age of 12, can eat as much lake trout and burbot as they wish.
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These Health Canada guidelines allow us to recommend safe consumption limits with a high degree of confidence. Fish in a number of Yukon lakes have been tested for mercury, and most of them are below Health Canada’s guideline for commercial fish.
Botulism
Botulism is a serious food poisoning caused by the toxin produced by bacteria in fish or meat that is not properly cooked immediately before eating.
Avoid botulism by:
- gutting and cleaning fish and game as soon as possible, and before freezing, to avoid contamination of the flesh by the gut contents;
- cooking all fish and meat, including canned fish, before eating;
- following canning instructions from a known supplier of canning equipment;
- making sure that the fish you smoke were properly gutted and cleaned while fresh; and
- keeping your smoked fish frozen, not just refrigerated, when it’s stored in plastic bags or is vacuum packed.
Health related questions regarding mercury in fish can be directed to: Dr. Brendan Hanley Questions related to the research data can be directed to: Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Environment Yukon Government of Yukon Box 2703 (V-5A) Phone: 867-667-5721 Email: fisheries@gov.yk.ca |
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada website (accessed Jan. 2011)
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association 110:1018-1026
- Mayo Clinic website (accessed Jan. 2011)
- Journal of the American Medical Association 303: 250-257
