http://doh.state.fl.us/floridafishadvice/

http://doh.state.fl.us/floridafishadvice/

http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_sub.asp?id=6287

http://www.regsurvey.com/

JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

ADVISORIES
Fish consumption advisories for freshwater anglers
Florida’s freshwater and marine fishes are generally considered safe to eat. Fish is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. The American
Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week to help maintain cardiovascular health. However, certain fish can be potentially
unhealthy to eat, because they can take up contaminants from the water and from the food they eat.
At low to moderate levels found in most Florida fish, mercury poses little danger, and fish can be consumed safely in reasonable amounts.
However, higher levels of mercury can damage the human brain and nervous system. The developing fetus is most sensitive to mercury.
Young children are more sensitive than adults. Therefore, women of childbearing age and young children should consume fish with low or no
mercury levels.
By choosing a variety of fish low in mercury from different water bodies and not eating only one type, anglers can enjoy health benefits
without appreciable risks. Consumption advisories have been issued to help anglers choose fish lower in mercury while limiting consumption of
some species of fish from certain waters.
COUNT ALL FISH MEALS FROM ALL WATER BODIES
Fish eaten from different water bodies count toward the consumption
guidelines. For example, a woman of childbearing age should not eat
more than six ounces of cooked largemouth bass, combined, from all
water bodies per month. Any additional fish meals eaten during the
recommended time period should have low or no mercury levels.
OTHER DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FISH
CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
Lake Apopka (Lake and Orange counties): brown bullhead should
not be eaten due to pesticide contamination.
Lake Munson (Leon County): Largemouth bass 19 inches or more
should not be eaten more than one time per month due to PCBs.
MERCURY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where does mercury come from?
Mercury is released into the environment from natural deposits in
rocks, volcanoes and soils. It is also released into the environment when
power plants burn coal, incinerators burn mercury-containing wastes,
and during production of other industrial chemicals. Airborne mercury
attaches itself to dust and water particles and enters Florida waters with
rain and runoff.
How does mercury get into fish?
Mercury is found in virtually all waters in the state, usually at
extremely low concentrations. Naturally occurring bacteria, which
decompose dead plant and animal material in lakes and wetlands,
convert mercury into a form called methyl mercury. Methyl mercury
accumulates primarily from organisms eaten by fish. Fish may contain
different levels of contaminants based on their location, size, age, and
feeding habits.
Where is mercury found in fish?
Mercury accumulates in the muscle tissue of fish, the part you eat.
Therefore, trimming excess fat and skinning do not reduce the amount
of mercury you consume. The only way to reduce mercury consumption
is to eat fish from less contaminated water bodies and to select
species that are lower in mercury.
Florida safe eating guidelines
Fish and shellfish have been tested for mercury in many
Florida waters. For these, the Florida Department of
Health (DOH) Web site offers specific consumption advice:
doh.state.fl.us/floridafishadvice or call DOH at (850)
245-4250
In a few locations, some species have high mercury
levels and should not be eaten, while others are recommended
for limited consumption (one meal per week or
one meal per month).
What types of fish contain the least methyl mercury?
Small, short-lived species such as sunfish (bream), brown bullhead,
and black crappie tend to have lower concentrations of mercury. In
addition, smaller largemouth bass often contain less mercury than
larger individuals. Many lakes, rivers, and canals have largemouth bass
with very low levels of mercury. Other fishes with low to moderate
levels of mercury in Florida waters include catfish and some exotic
species. It is important to consult the Florida Safe Eating Guidelines
(updated quarterly on the Web site and printed annually; doh.state.
fl.us/floridafishadvice/) for specific water body recommendations.
EPA/FDA ADVICE FOR WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING
AGE AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Women of childbearing age and children are more sensitive to mercury,
and should take special precautions. Guidelines have been established
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) to protect this segment of the population.
Please refer to the joint FDA and EPA advice:
www. epa.gov/waterscience/fish/. By following these three
recommendations when selecting and eating fish, women and young
children can reduce their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.
1. Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they
contain high levels of mercury.
2. Eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) a week of a variety of fish
and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light
tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Albacore (“white”) tuna has more
mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals
of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces of albacore.
3. Check Florida Safe Eating Guidelines about the safety of fish caught
by family and friends in Florida lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. The
Florida statewide consumption advisory provides general guidelines
for consumption of largemouth bass, bowfin and gar. For other fish
from local water bodies that are not listed, consume no more than 6
ounces per week.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check the FWC Web site: research.MyFWC.com/Mercury.
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28 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission