Fishing and pollution in the Great Lakes

You are what you eat (and where you live)!

Fish spend their entire lives in the water. The water surrounds them, flows over their gills, and supports them. They eat plants and animals that also live in the water. If their water is polluted, it means that the pollutants in the water are all around them and inside of them, too. Some of those pollutants cause concern for the predators that eat the fish. When you eat fish, you are a fish predator, too!

Fish are a healthy food choice for people, especially for people around the Great Lakes. With a fishing license and basic equipment, anyone can catch a valuable source of protein and healthy fats. Fish are also an important cultural food for many people, including Native Americans living in the Great Lakes region.

Fish advisories

In 1971, Michigan issued the first health advisory because of dangerous levels of mercury in some kinds and sizes of fish. Since then, state and provincial governments have recommended that consumption of certain fish living in certain waters should be limited or avoided because of toxic chemicals present in the fish. Advisories are now issued regularly to limit exposure and protect human health.

Because of current scientific uncertainty about how dangerous some pollution is to humans, the Great Lakes states and the province of Ontario often vary in the advice they provide. However, in all cases, following the advisories will reduce the exposure to any possible contaminants.

People who consume large quantities of fish should pay close attention to these warnings to reduce exposure. The guidelines are strictest for women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children. If you love fish, you should also learn how to prepare and cook fish in ways that reduce your exposure to certain chemicals.