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Maryland

Fishing

Fishing

Fish Consumption Guidelines

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.

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

To see fish consumption advisories and other information which will help you make the best choices about what fish you eat and how often to eat them, visit mde.state.md.us/programs/marylander/fishandshellfish/pages/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx or call 410-537-3906.