Contaminants found in Lower Fraser River salmon tissue samples pose risk to endangered whales and fish Researchers have discovered over 200 contaminants in water and chinook salmon tissue samples from five sites in the Lower Fraser River estuary. The study has identified 16 priority contaminants and 23 others that require further monitoring. The contaminants found in the salmon tissue samples have raised concerns for the endangered whales that rely on the salmon for food. A recent study published by researchers from the federal Fisheries Department and Simon Fraser University has found over 200 contaminants in water and chinook salmon tissue samples from five sites in the Lower Fraser River estuary. The majority of these contaminants were pharmaceuticals, such as caffeine and antidepressants, which have been shown to have adverse effects on wild fish. The study, the largest of its kind in the Lower Fraser River, has identified 16 priority contaminants and 23 others that need further monitoring. The contaminants found in the salmon tissue samples have raised concerns for the endangered whales that rely on the salmon for food.The researchers believe that the combination of contaminants in the river may have a greater impact on the health of the fish than the individual toxins