Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Mercury & Fish Consumption


Many Idaho rivers and reservoirs contain mercury warnings. What does this mean? Should you forego eating fish caught from these waters?

A publication by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Safe Fish Eating Guidelines, provides a good overview of fish consumption, including recommended monthly limits.

Of course, the fact that wild fish from our state's waters have to come with a health warning is a sad state of affairs. Fish is a healthful food, and many waters contain populations that can be sustainably fished.

The Idaho Conservation League has done an exemplary job of tracing sources of mercury poisoning and educating people about the high levels of mercury in Idaho fish. Hopefully, this leads to a future where we can eat fish without worrying about poisoning ourselves. Until then, the Safe Fish Eating Guidelines will help you make educated decisions.--Matt Miller
Photo by Kirk Keogh, first2lastlight.com

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