The GNWT works in partnership with the Federal Government to test for contaminants and human health risks in most NWT rivers and lakes on a yearly basis.

Below you will find fish consumption guidelines for the following lakes and rivers. 

Akaitcho Region

• Nonacho Lake
• Stark Lake

Dehcho Region

• Cli Lake
• Deep Lake
• Ekali Lake
• Fish Lake
• Gargan Lake
• Little Doctor Lake
• McGill Lake
• Sanguez Lake
• Tathlina Lake
• Trout Lake

Sahtu Region

• Kelly Lake
• Lac Ste. Therese

Yellowknife Region

• Duck Lake
• Giauque Lake
• Lower Martin Lake

Precautionary recommendations have been provided not to consume fish from certain lakes in the Yellowknife area due to environmental contaminants in water in the absence of data on contaminant levels in fish. As new information on fish becomes available, this advice may change. For details on these lakes, please see the public health advisory here:

• Arsenic in Lake Water Around Yellowknife

The Department of Health and Social Services does not conduct environmental monitoring of contaminants in wildlife and the environment; however, it engages with research programs such as the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) and the Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program (CIMP) to maintain an awareness of current research and emerging information so that public health messaging can be updated when necessary. Additional research and monitoring is conducted by various agencies, including Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and independent researchers. For more information on environmental research and monitoring in the NWT, please see:

• Northern Contaminants Program (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada)
• Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program

You can also view the NWT Map showing fish consumption notices by clicking on the following link:

• NWT Map of Fish Consumption Notices

For information on fish species, daily catch limits and general fishing regulations please read the following:

• NWT Sport Fishing Guide

For questions concerning contaminants and public health please contact:

Environmental Health
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Phone: 867-767-9066 ext. 49262 
Fax: 867-669-7517
Email: environmental_health@gov.nt.ca

For questions concerning contaminants and occupational health and safety please contact:

Workers Safety and Compensation Commission
Box 8888, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R3
Phone: (867) 920-3888
Toll-Free: (800) 661-0792
Fax: (867) 873-4596
Toll-Free Fax: (866) 277-3677
Website: www.wscc.nt.ca