Torres Strait baseline study : pilot study final report June 1993 : trace metal concentrations in sediments and selected marine biota as indicator organisms and food items in the diet of Torres Strait Islanders and coastal Papuans

Abstract

The Torres Strait Baseline Study (TSBS) was instigated in response to concerns by Torres Strait Islanders, scientists and conservationists about possible heavy metal contamination within the Torres Strait (see Lawrence & Dight, 1991 for background to the study). This concern arose as a result of mining activities within the Fly River catchment of Papua New Guinea. The purpose of the study is to acquire data that will assist in determining the extent of influence of Fly River discharge and whether there is evidence of elevated metal concentrations within the Torres Strait.