The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality says tissue samples from the fish in Scott Reservoir, specificallylargemouth bass, have elevated levels of mercury.

Scott Reservoir is located north of Pinetop-Lakeside and south of Show Low. (Map)

Because of the increased mercury, ADEQ recommends people limit consumption of bass caught from the reservoir area. The department says adults should not eat more than 2.4 ounces of the fish per week, and children should limit consumption to 2 ounces per month.

Officials say mercury levels can spike when larger fish eat smaller ones and insects.

“Any health risks associated with eating fish from this advisory area are based on long-term consumption and not from eating fish occasionally,” according to the ADEQ advisory.

The department says recreation activities aren’t impacted because mercury in fish is much more concentrated than it is in the water. That means the reservoir still can be used for fishing, bird-watching, swimming and other activities.

“Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can disrupt brain function and harm the nervous system,” according to theNatural Resource Defense Council. “Even small amounts of mercury can interfere with brain development, making exposure particularly risky for children younger than six (sic) and women in their childbearing years.”