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Last Edited: 7/7/09
Fish
Fish and shellfish are an important part of a nutritious and healthy diet. They are low in saturated fats and an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. Fish are also an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Recent studies have also shown improved cognitive development in babies born to mothers who ate fish while pregnant.
But, some fish may also contain chemicals like mercury which may be harmful to your health. Mercury is of greatest concern to the developing fetus and children. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued a Consumer Advisory for women ages 18-45 and children. The Consumer Advisory recommends that women and children limit the amount of fish they eat and avoid some types of fish. The Consumer Advisory is summarized below. See also the link to the FDA.
Fish Eating Guidelines for Women 18-45 and Children 1-17
You can get the most health benefits by choosing fish low in chemicals and high in Omega-3 fatty acids. The fish listed below are low in mercury and good sources of Omega-3s:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Herring
- Atlantic and Chub (Pacific) Mackerel (NOT King Mackerel)
- Trout
Fish Consumption Advice for Waterbodies in California
Some lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and bays where people fish in California have been contaminated with mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) or other chemicals. The California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued advisories for many water bodies in California. The advisories provide information for safely eating fish caught in these areas. To learn more about advisories for waterbodies in California, see:http://www.oehha.ca.gov/fish.html
Below are links for more information on fishing and eating fish in California.
Fact Sheets
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Mercury in Fish Fact Sheet
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Fish are nutritious for you and your family....
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San Francisco Bay Fish Postcard
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This 5.5 by 8.5 inch postcard provides information on the San Francisco Bay fish advisory and how to safely fish, cook, and consume fish caught in San Francisco Bay....
Papers
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Biological monitoring for mercury within a community with soil and fish contamination
(01/01/1997)
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Delta Fish Project Needs Assessment Final Report
(01/01/2004)
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Executive Summary Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, bioaccumulates in fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and tributaries...
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Fish contamination in Richmond harbor channel
(01/01/1994)
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In 1994, EHIB conducted a study of fish contamination in the Richmond harbor channel, a part of the San Francisco Bay....
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Palos Verdes Shelf Outreach And Education Pilot Project Report
(12/15/2000)
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This report provides background information on the Palos Verdes Shelf fish contamination issue, and describes and evaluates the accomplishments of the Palos Verdes Shelf Education Project.
Related Projects
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Delta Watershed Fish Project
-- Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, bioaccumulates in fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed at levels that may pose...
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Delta Watershed Fish Project 2005-2006
-- The purpose of this project was to characterize populations that consume fish from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed and conduct outreach, education and training activities to reduce their...
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Environmental Health Symposium for Promotores and Community Health Workers
-- In June 14, 2011, EHIB hosted an environmental health symposium for promotores and community health workers....
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Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Fish Connection
-- EHIB provided technical support and assistance to the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) Fish Connection....
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Klau/Buena Vista Mines, San Luis Obispo County - Public Health Activities
-- From 2005 to 2010 the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) conducted an investigation of the public health implications from contamination at the Klau and Buena Vista Mines....
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Mercury in Fish
-- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, might become pregnant, or if you have young children, please see the brochures below for information on mercury in fish.
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Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Project
-- EHIB maintains a cooperative agreement with the U.S....
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San Francisco Bay Fish Outreach and Education Project
-- In 1997, EHIB created the San Francisco Bay Fish Consumption Outreach and Education Project....
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San Francisco Bay Fish Project
-- The San Francisco Bay Fish Project is a two-year project to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals from eating San Francisco Bay fish....
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San Francisco Bay Seafood Consumption Study
-- For many years, studies have shown that fish commonly caught in San Francisco Bay contain chemicals like mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)....
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Survey and Educational Activity in the Lower Sacramento River Watershed
-- The goal of this project is to characterize fish consumption patterns and implement an educational activity to reduce exposure to mercury in a high-risk population....
Related Links
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seafood site
- FDA Consumer Advisory about Mercury in Fish
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Contacts
- Alyce Ujihara , Ian Walker