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Every year at the start of a new fishing season, health experts, concerned that the public might decide to completely eliminate fish from their diet, wonder whether fish advisories send the right message. For this reason, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) ensures that annual Maryland fish consumption recommendations are accompanied by additional tips to help the public make sense of this complex issue.
Fish Consumption Recommendations – How Much is Too Much?
Since the 1970s, MDE has issued recommendations suggesting the number of fish meals that a person should eat. These recommendations are based on the presence of contaminants in the fish tissue, which over time can pose a potential health risk to those who eat them. Studies show that methylmercury, a commonly found contaminant, may negatively affect the nervous system of a developing fetus. A child exposed to too much methylmercury may have a more difficult time with tasks associated with memory, learning and thinking.
MDE monitors concentrations of various pollutants found in recreationally caught fish and issues recommendations to inform the public. These guidelines focus on those who are more sensitive to the effects of the contaminants (such as women of childbearing age and children) to inform them of existing risks. The recommendations are issued to help the public decide where to fish, what fish to eat, and how many meals to eat.
A Complex Message - An Easy Solution
Fish consumption messages are often perceived as confusing. While some fish have relatively high levels of contaminants, it is important to note that fish are an essential component of a healthy diet. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. Fish, especially fatty fish, such as trout or salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease heart disease and circulatory system failures. Fish is also a great source of high quality protein, low in fat, and it also has many essential vitamins and minerals.
There is still much to study in order to truly understand the risks and benefits associated with fish consumption. Fish consumption recommendations are based on the best available information and will evolve as additional study results become available. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to follow these guidelines to help reduce the risk of exposure to contaminants, while still enjoying the health benefits associated with eating fish:
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Eat smaller fish to help reduce methylmercury and PCB intake – contaminants accumulate in fish as they get older and bigger.
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Eat different types of fish caught from different locations to decrease the chance of being exposed to the same contaminant.
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Use cooking methods that drip away fat, like baking, grilling, or broiling – this will help to cut down on PCBs remaining in the fish. Mercury is found in fish muscle, so you cannot cook away mercury.
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Avoid eating crab “mustard” (gooey yellow/green gland inside the center of the shell) which is high in contaminants.
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Do not take or consume fish with obvious wounds, sores, or other health problems. Also, fish that do not smell or taste fresh should not be eaten.
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To avoid germs, wash your hands before and after handling fish and seafood.
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When purchasing fresh fish at a market, ask when it was delivered. If it was more than two days, do not buy it.
Recently Released Recommendations
With the start of the new fishing season, MDE has updated its fish consumption information. Based on data collected recently from Maryland waters, new recommendations were issued for:
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Channel Catfish in the Monocacy River
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Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River from the Washington, D.C. line to the Maryland 301 bridge
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Small and Largemouth Bass in several lakes and reservoirs throughout Maryland
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White Perch in Herring Bay, Severn River, and South River
For complete information about the updated Maryland fish consumption recommendations, visit MDE's Fish Advisory website at: www.mde.state.md.us/fishadvisory or call MDE at (410) 537-3906. National fish consumption advisory information is available at: www.epa.gov/ostwater/fish.
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