For many Ohioans fishing is a hobby that they were brought up on and continue to share with their children, friends, and family. Although not all fishermen plan to consume their catch, many enjoy the satisfaction of putting a fresh meal on the table knowing they are the ones who caught it. Where I come from in north west Ohio fish fries are a common thing that bring a big crowd ready to gorge on as much fish as they can. The fish served at my local fish fries is often locally caught catfish. Catfish along with all other sport fish in Ohio are currently under a state wide consumption advisory.
A consumption advisory is set by the EPA based on sampling done in bodies of water throughout the state. There are thirty-six contaminants that are found in fish tissues that the EPA evaluates when determining if a location, species, or species within a location should have a consumption advisory. The EPA puts out specific advisories for each individual species and each specific location. Ohio is currently under a state wide consumption advisory for all sport fish. Currently in Ohio, the state advisory urges all adults to avoid eating more than eight ounces and children three ounces of state caught sport fish more than once a week. There are only two kinds of fish, yellow perch and sunfish that in most locations are deemed to be safe to each twice a week. However, several kinds of fish and fish within specific locations in Ohio have higher toxin levels and individuals are advised to eat them only once every month, once every couple months, or even not at all. The only way to know if the fish you are catching are safe to eat is to either test them yourself upon catch or simply look at the list the Ohio EPA posts.
So what contaminants do these fish have in them? The two most common contaminants in Ohio fish are polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) and methyl mercury. According to Environmental Defense Fund, “PCBs are man-made chlorinated industrial chemicals…” These chemicals are oily so they tend to not dissolve in water rather getting stuck on the bottom or staying in tact within the water. PBCs were banned in the US in 1979 however, since they take so long to break down we are still reeking the consequences today. With PCBs the oil is absorbed by the fatty tissue in fish. This is why leaner fish like Yellow Perch and Sunfish tend to be safer to eat. Methyl mercury however is a metal that fish absorb over time in their meaty tissue. Older fish and predator fish often have higher levels of mercury.
So what can this do to people? People of all ages can be effected by these contaminants however, pregnant women and the fetus and young children are the most vulnerable. The contaminants in fish are often relatively low and don’t cause health risks if ate just once or twice it is the accumulation of being exposed. It is thought that PBCs can cause babies to be born under developed if their mothers consumed fish with high levels of PCBs. In young children PCBs are thought to stunt the developing nervous systems. In adult it is possible to effect memory and learning abilities. PCBs are speculated to be human carcinogens which means it is possible they they could cause cancer. Eating fish contaminated with mercury can cause you to develop mercury poisoning. According to Blue Voice “even low-level mercury poisoning has been found to cause memory loss, hair loss, fatigue, depression, difficulty concentrating, tremors and headaches. Because it is hard for the body to eliminate, it can build up and may affect the nervous system.”
So in conclusion, sport fish all throughout Ohio are contaminated at some degree. Most fish in Ohio however are safe to eat at some regularity. It is important to know the suggested serving sizes, which is eight ounces for adults and three for children, and the suggested regularity at which a fish is deemed safe to eat. If you are an angler who enjoys the satisfaction of catching your own meal, there are plenty of fish in Ohio that you can safely do that with. Just be aware that not every tasty looking fish that you may come across is safe to eat.
Work Cited
“Fish In Your Diet – Not Health Food Anymore: Mercury in Fish.” Edited by Troika Studio, Health Risks from Eating Mercury Contaminated Fish – BlueVoice.Org, www.bluevoice.org/news_toxicfish.php. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
“Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory .” Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water, Apr. 2017, epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/fishadvisory/fishadvisory_pamphlet.pdf. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
“PCBs in fish and shellfish.” Seafood Selector, 19 Feb. 2013, seafood.edf.org/pcbs-fish-and-shellfish. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
Images:
“Are Children Spending Enough Time Outdoors?” Are Children Spending Enough Time Outdoors?, Eartheasy, 13 Apr. 2012, learn.eartheasy.com/2012/04/are-children-spending-enough-time-outdoors/. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
“PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls.” PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls, Green Fact, 15 Sept. 2006, www.greenfacts.org/en/pcbs/. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
“Upper atmosphere facilitates changes that let mercury enter food chain.” Upper atmosphere facilitates changes that let mercury enter food chain, 19 Dec. 2011, Upper atmosphere facilitates changes that let mercury enter food chain. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.
“Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory .” Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water, Apr. 2017, epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/fishadvisory/fishadvisory_pamphlet.pdf. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.