[en] The James Bay Mercury Committee has the mandate to oversee the implementation of the research, monitoring, and remediation programs related to the mercury pollution problem associated with hydroelectric developments in the James Bay region of Quebec. A summary of activities for 1990-91 is presented. Monitoring programs conducted during the year included studies of fish in the western part of the LaGrande complex, in which a decrease in Hg levels first noted in 1990 persisted; and a hair sampling and analysis program conducted on high-risk groups in the James Bay Cree population, which noted a continuing downward trend in Hg levels although this trend was not statistically significant. Research programs included a study of the influence of environmental factors on the release of Hg from vegetation and soil flooded by hydroelectric reservoirs. Mercury research in 1990 allowed confirmation of the fact that a higher Hg uptake in certain fish downstream from the LaGrande 2 station was related to a change in their feeding habits. Other studies were conducted on the effects of methylmercury exposure on health, sociocultural and economic aspects, and mitigative measures. Total expenditures for the year were just over $2 million. 8 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs