Fish are a lean source of protein and other nutrients, and a day on the water often ends with dinner. Before you cook, it is worth a few minutes to check whether the water you fished has an advisory, because contaminants can build up in some species.
What advisories are
State, territorial and Tribal governments post advisories that warn about possibly contaminated fish and shellfish taken from nearby waters. An advisory can name a lake, river or stretch of coast, a species, a size and how often it is safe to eat. Federal agencies also sample fish tissue for contaminants across rivers, streams and lakes, the Great Lakes among them, and their findings help states decide where to post advice.
Why catch-and-cook needs extra care
Store-bought seafood is covered by federal and market guidance, but fish pulled from a local lake or river may not be. Federal advice for people who are or may become pregnant, are breastfeeding, and for young children notes that fish caught by family and friends should be checked against local advisories. If there is none for that water, the recommendation is to eat only one serving of it that week and no other fish. Bigger specimens of carp, catfish, trout and perch show up in advisories more often because of mercury or other contaminants.
Fish still belong in a healthy diet
Dietary guidelines call for at least 8 ounces of seafood a week for adults on a 2,000 calorie diet, with variety and lower-mercury choices emphasized. Fish supply protein along with nutrients such as B12, vitamin D and selenium, and strong evidence ties regular fish meals within a balanced diet to health benefits.
A simple routine
- Search your state fish advisory pages before keeping fish from a new water.
- Follow size and species guidance, since larger, older fish may carry more contaminants.
- Rotate species and waters rather than eating the same catch every week.
- Handle and cook fish properly, and keep it cold between the water and the kitchen.
- Share advisory links with family members who are pregnant, nursing or feeding young children.