Other Monitoring Programs & Studies (e.g., Fish Tissue, Microplastics, Metals)
Fish Consumption Advisories

Certain chemicals can concentrate ("bioaccumulate") in fish to levels thousands of times greater than the levels in the water itself. The resulting concentrations in fish and the associated health risks to those who eat the fish are of concern to government agencies and public health officials.

The DRBC and its state partners are working to reduce the concentrations of toxic pollutants that bioaccumulate in fish.

In the meantime, the Basin states issue "advisories" containing meal advice for consumers of recreationally-caught fish and shellfish to minimize the risk to human health. These advisories list the water bodies, fish species and number of meals recommended to minimize the risk. 

In some cases, no consumption of any fish species from a water body is advised. In others, more stringent consumption guidelines for pregnant women and children is advised. 

These advisories are typically revised yearly based upon recent fish tissue concentration data.  

DRBC does not issue its own fish consumption advisories; rather, the Commission works with the Basin states and provides them with data to use in development of their state-issued advisories.

Links to Fish Consumption Advisory Info

Fish Consumption News

Other Resources