Instructions:

This activity is a hands-on activity that visually demonstrates how microplastics, toxins, and mercury accumulate in fish and humans, and illustrates the interconnectedness of living things. The toxins in the lakes/oceans are consumed by small fish and stored in their flesh and fat. Bigger fish who rely on fish lower in the food chain accumulate these toxins, which are then eaten by humans. Over time, excess amounts of toxins increase risk of cancers and can decrease mental function.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are affected by this. For example, only one walleye (pickerel) per year is recommended to eat near Hiawatha/Rice Lake because of biomagnification of toxins. Some safer local fish to eat are perch because they are vegetarian, therefore, there is less biomagnification.

Instructions for Biomagnification Tag can be found in Biomag Tag Game Instructions.pdf adapted from the following lesson plan: http://ecolearninghive.org/sites/default/files/Lesson%20Plan%20-%20Bio%20Mag%20Tag.pdf.