14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-New Advisory on Which Fish to Eat

New Advisory on Which Fish to Eat

Reporter:  Kennan Oliphant

Web Producer:  Amber Griswold

Are fish caught in Hoosier waters safe to eat?

A new water quality report says certain people should avoid eating certain fish, but these are fish you probably wouldn't want to eat anyway.

People love to fish in Tri-state rivers, especially the Ohio River. But a new Fishing Advisory List released by the EPA may have some people second guessing about eating the fish they catch.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Environmental Protection Agency is releasing its summary of information on locally-issued fish advisories and safe-eating guidelines.

The report states nearly half of America's rivers and lakes contain enough pollution that people should limit or avoid eating fish.

However, Donna Bergman of the Evansville EPA says the advisory is for a species of fish most people don't normally eat.

Bergman explained, "In Indiana the fish eating advisory is for carp, the blanket advisory is for carp."

Bergman says the reason there are fish advisories is because of mercury, w hich can be dangerous for some people if they plan on eating fish.

"Such as pregnant women, women who plan to be pregnant or kids under the age of 15."

Certain mercury compounds are found in some fish like tuna and swordfish. When eaten the compounds are easily absorbed which over time can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, lungs and other organs and can cause birth defects.

Indiana issued the most advisories in the Tri-state with 243, Illinios came in second with 65 advisories, and K entucky issued eleven.

If you want to learn more about the new fish consumption advisories, click here .