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Fish Consumption Advisories

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Fish are important in a healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein. However, some fish may contain methylmercury or other harmful chemicals at sufficiently high levels to be a concern. Federal, state and local governments issue fish consumption advisories when the fish are unsafe to eat. The advisories may suggest that people avoid eating certain kinds or certain amounts of fish. Some advisories apply to specific water types (like lakes). Some may focus on groups of particularly sensitive people. Some advisories include notices of "no restriction" to tell us that certain fish are safe to eat. As states increase the waters they monitor for contaminated fish, both the number of advisories and the waters where it is safe to eat fish are increasing. Visit the links below to learn more about mercury in fish, fish consumption advisories, and state fish advisories.

If you are concerned for your health or your family's as a result of exposure to mercury, get in touch with your health care provider. They will be able to tell you if mercury exposure is a problem for you and what to do about it.

EPA-FDA Joint Federal Advisory for Mercury in Fish: “What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish” - The purpose of the advisory is to inform women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the parents of young children on how to get the positive health benefits from eating fish and shellfish, while minimizing their mercury exposure.

EPA's Fish Consumption Advisories Web site - This site provides general information on fish advisories, public information materials, technical guidance documents, and related links. The site includes a state-by-state map that provides links to state, tribal and territorial fish advisory programs.

National Listing of Fish and Wildlife Advisories - This detailed and technical database contains information on specific bodies of water, contaminants, and species of fish. The database includes a state-by-state list of contacts and Web sites that can provide you with more information.

Seafood Information and Resources - U.S. Food and Drug Administration's food information about the risks of methylmercury in fish and shellfish. You can also access this information toll-free at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Seafood Consumer Advice - FoodSafety.gov, the gateway to government food safety information, provides general information on seafood safety.

Mercury Update: Impact on Fish Advisories (PDF) (10pp., 69K, About PDF) - Note: This mercury fact sheet is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when created in June 2001, it is now outdated. We plan to update this fact sheet in 2005.

The Mercury Study Report to Congress (Volume IV: An Assessment of Exposure to Mercury in the United States) (PDF) (293 pp., 1MB, About PDF) - EPA prepared this report to fulfill requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Published in 1997, it is an eight volume assessment of the magnitude of U.S. mercury emissions by source; the health and environmental impacts of those emissions; and the availability and cost of control technologies.

Great Lakes Information Network’s Fish Consumption AdvisoriesExit EPA Disclaimer

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