The Associated Press’ Nairobi, Kenya Bureau Chief has gotten back to us regarding the problems we highlighted in its reporting on the U.N.’s gathering of environmental ministers in Kenya. It would appear that the AP now understands that “interested parties may be targeting tuna.” What’s more the press syndicate finds the “potential for follow-up stories” on this issue.

Here’s the AP’s letter:

Dear Mr. Gibbons,

Thank you for your letter regarding our coverage of a U.N. gathering of environment ministers in Kenya.

We appreciate your concerns and take your point that interested parties may be targeting tuna and that other fish also have mercury. Tuna is widely cited in this context, probably as a result of its popularity compared to the other varieties of fish (including ones that mighthave higher mercury levels). We note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration itself advises expectant mothers to limit weekly consumption to six ounces of albacore tuna or 12 ounces of “light” tuna. The mercury levels in less popular fish – such as shark and swordfish – are perhaps worth exploring.

It is true that much of the mercury is naturally occurring, as you state, although proportion estimates vary. Indeed, the second sentence of our Feb. 16 story states that while 6,000 tons of mercury enter the environment each year, only a third is generated by power stations and coal fires.

The California case is now in the appeal process, which we believe justifies our characterization that the legal battle continues.

Space concerns often limit the amount of background that goes into stories. We do our best to ensure that critical information is always in the copy but inevitably do not always succeed in satisfying all sides.

We see the potential for follow-up stories on this subject and will be sure to contact you for your perspective.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Kennedy

Associated Press

Nairobi, Kenya

Bureau Chief

Cc: Dan Perry, Europe-Africa Editor, London

John Daniszewski, Sr. Managing Editor, New York