University of Wisconsin - Extension

While sport fishing is a Wisconsin tradition, many families and individuals rely on sport-caught fish as a regular source of protein. But not all fish are safe to eat. Each year the Wisconsin DNR issues a list of fish from lakes and rivers across the state that is contaminated with mercury or PCB's. The 2000 advisory list includes 65 bodies of water where PCB contamination is present, and 375 bodies of water where fish are contaminated with mercury.

Women of childbearing age need to be especially cautious about eating fish because PCB's and mercury are especially harmful to unborn children. Unfortunately, these warnings often go unnoticed by those that need them most. A 1998 survey found that only one out of every four women between the ages of 18 and 45 were aware of the DNR warnings.

While PCB and mercury contaminated fish will continue to be a problem into the future, we can do something today to help future generations.

If you plan to have children, avoid eating the types of sport-caught fish on the warning list before and during pregnancy, and while nursing.

If you know someone who regularly eats fish caught from our lakes and streams, make sure that they know that they should consult the DNR warning list to find out if those fish are listed as unsafe to eat.

For a copy of the DNR fish consumption warning list, contact your local DNR Service Center and ask for "Important Health Information for People Eating Fish From Wisconsin Waters - 2000," publication number FH834-00.