Fish Consumption Guidelines

The information included in Maryland Department of the Environment consumption advisories is of particular importance for children and pregnant women because of the potential harmful effect of these contaminants on developing brains.

Fish are recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Most fish are safe to eat, but some have levels of contaminants which may be harmful for regular subsistence fishers, pregnant women, and children.

The Maryland Department of the Environment monitors wild-caught fish and provides consumption advisories with recommended limits about how often certain fish should be eaten to minimize health risks. These advisories are intended for people who eat Maryland fish on a regular basis.

The Maryland Department of the Environment analyzes fish for two contaminants which can pose health risks and are known to accumulate in fish: PCBs and methylmercury.

To see fish consumption advisories and helpful guidance on what fish to eat and how often, visit the Maryland fish consumption advisory page.