Recent status of total mercury and methyl mercury in the coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico using oysters and sediments from NOAA's mussel watch program

► Current status of tHg and MeHg distribution in the GOM was assessed. ► tHg and MeHg hotspots were found in estuaries with important fisheries in the Gulf. ► tHg in biota show fairly static temporal trends in the central and western Gulf. ► tHg in biota show a strong decreasing trend in the eastern Gulf. ► Our results complement existing data on mercury cycling in the GOM.