State officials responsible for monitoring Pennsylvania waterways and protecting public health this week released an updated list of fish consumption advisories.

The advisories are developed through a partnership of the Fish and Boat Commission and the departments of Environmental Protection, Agriculture and Health.

“Pennsylvania’s fish advisory message is consistent with the story being told throughout the country—eat fish, but choose wisely,” PFBC Executive Director Dr. Douglas Austen said. “Pennsylvania’s waters offer a bounty of clean, safe fish for people to eat. The information provided in our advisory serves to guide consumers about their choices.”

All recreationally caught sport fish in Pennsylvania are subject to a one-meal-per-week consumption advisory. This blanket advisory is designed to protect the general population, especially pregnant women, women of childbearing years, and young children.

One meal is considered to be one-half pound of fish for a 150-pound person. The advisories do not apply to fish raised for commercial purposes or bought in stores or restaurants.

“Enjoying outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside is a great pastime and it’s important to our tourism industry,” said DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. “No one should be discouraged from fishing or eating fresh fish in moderation. We just want to make sure anglers have the most up-to-date information when they fish Pennsylvania’s waterways.”

“When properly prepared, fish provide a diet high in protein and low in saturated fats,” Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson said. “People can get the health benefits of eating fish and reduce exposure to organic contaminants by properly cleaning, skinning, trimming and cooking the fish they eat.”

Proper preparation generally includes trimming away fat and broiling or grilling the fish to allow remaining fat to drip away. Juices and fats that cook out of the fish should not be eaten or reused for cooking or preparing other foods. Mercury, however, collects in the fish’s muscle and cannot be reduced by cleaning and cooking methods.

In addition to the general statewide advisory, Pennsylvania has four other categories of consumption advisories that can be issued if test results suggest it: two meals per month; one meal per month; one meal every two months; or do not eat.

Current and updated advisories are published in the Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws, which is provided to each purchaser of a Pennsylvania fishing license.

More information, visit the Fish Advisory webpage.

2/1/2008