A new report led by a University of Alberta ecologist says the province's oilsands are releasing more pollutants into the Athabasca River than previously reported by government data.

Dr. David Schindler and several colleagues analyzed 13 elements in river water and snow pack along the Athabasca for two years.

The ecologist says high levels of contaminants such as mercury, arsenic, and lead were found, which suggests something different than reported by the government.

"If they have data that refute our claims then I'd recommend they send them to a peer-review journal, get them out there, and then we'll see who is right. I think I'd put money on our study," said Schindler.

A local fisher in the area tells CTV News he has witnessed some changes with the wildlife.

"Fish with a lump on it, or it's red, or its fins are deformed," said Robert GrandJambe. "Ducks, different migratory species... they are not landing in the same ponds they usually land."

Schindler and his team recommend that long term monitoring of the Athabasca River and the winter snowpack must be improved to assess and control the industry's impact on environmental and human health.

The province says it regularly reviews monitoring practices. But on Monday, the province's environment minister was not available for comment.

Alberta Environment would only say that they want to look at supplementary data before they compare Schindler's date with their own.

Critics say the government should stop pretending there isn't a problem.

"What this report shows is we can't trust the government," said NDP MLA Rachel Notley.

Schindler believes their findings show that the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP -- an industry-led group that oversees water quality in the river -- has dropped the ball.

The ecologist says RAMP should be replaced with Environment Canada. He claims Environment Canada has the labs and the expertise to monitor the river.

RAMP reports to both the provincial and federal governments.

The report will appear in the scientific journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

With files from Kevin Armstrong and CTV.ca News Staff