The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued an updated fish consumption advisory for fish caught at many California water bodies, (lakes and reservoirs) as well as fish and shellfish taken from the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bays and Delta regions. Most of the advisories reflect elevated levels of mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). The guidelines provide information that anglers and their families can use to protect themselves from harmful health effects that could result from eating large amounts of fish with high levels of mercury or PCBs.
Because fetuses and children are particularly sensitive to the effects of these chemicals, women of childbearing age and children 17 years and younger should be especially careful to follow the specific guidelines provided for them. A second set of guidelines is provided for women beyond childbearing age and men to protect their health.
For more information on fish caught in lakes and reservoirs:
- California Fish Advisory Map Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
- How to Follow the Advisories Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
For more on fish caught in the bays of delta region: