On Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) issued its annual updates to fish consumption advisories across the state. These warnings are based on data collected the preceding fall by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
ADEM, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources collected samples of specific fish species for analysis from various waterbodies throughout the state during the fall of 2022. Authorities collected 492 samples from 40 collection stations in Alabama. ADPH then assessed the analytical results to determine whether any of the tested contaminants in the fish may give rise to potential human health effects.
Fish consumption advisories are issued for specific waterbodies and specific species taken from those areas. In reservoirs, advisories apply to waters as far as a boat can be taken upstream in a tributary, that is, to full pool elevations.
Most contaminants found in wild fish in Alabama are of little concern if consumed in one meal once a year. Consuming multiple meals of contaminated fish increases the risk as the contaminant can begin to build up in the body leading to possible health ramifications. For this reason, the newly issued advisories will be represented as the safe number of meals of that species of fish that can be eaten in a given period, such as meals per week or meals per month. In the worst cases of fish contamination, ADPH advises that people not eat any of that species in that body of water. For these advisories, a meal consists of 6 ounces of cooked fish or 8 ounces of raw fish.
The advice in this release and complete listings of the posted fish consumption advisories are offered as guidance to individuals who wish to eat fish they catch from various waterbodies throughout the state.
ADPH reminds Alabamians that there are no regulations banning the consumption of any fish caught within the state. There is also no risk of an acute toxic episode from consuming any fish containing the contaminants for which the state has conducted analyses.
A fish consumption advisory can be issued for one or more specific fish species within a body of water. In the worst-case scenario, an advisory can be extended to include all fish species within that body of water.
ADPH issued new and updated consumption advisories issued for the 34 bodies of water in Alabama.
These can be found on the ADPH website.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, moderate scientific evidence shows that eating patterns relatively higher in fish but also in other foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, lean meats and poultry, nuts, and unsaturated vegetable oils, and lower in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, and refined grains are associated with promotion of bone health – decreases the risk for hip fractures; decreases in the risk of becoming overweight or obese, and decreases in the risk for colon and rectal cancers.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating fish as part of a healthy diet.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 8 ounces of seafood (less for children§) per week based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to consume between 8 and 12 ounces per week of a variety of seafood from choices that are lower in mercury.
Wild-caught fish typically have a better flavor, less fat, more nutrients, and fewer contaminants than farm-raised fish. By catching the fish yourself, you can make sure that you eat the fish at peak freshness. Harvesting fish out of Alabama’s lakes, streams, rivers, and bay also can be effective at reducing grocery bills.
Fishermen can mitigate most possible health risks by consuming multiple species of fish, fishing from multiple bodies of water, and following the ADPH fish consumption advisories.
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