Fish Consumption Advisories

Developing fetuses and small children are especially susceptible to health impairment from elevated mercury levels.

However, if other people wish to reduce their exposure to mercury, they should also generally adhere to these advisories and also work to reduce mercury pollution at the source.

Fish that are relatively low in mercury and can safely be eaten in moderation:

Abalone (farmed), Anchovies, Butterfish, Calamari (squid), Catfish, Caviar (farmed), Clams, Crab (king), Crawfish/crayfish, Flounder, Haddock, Hake, Herring, Lobster (spiny/rock), Mackerel (Atlantic), Mussels (farmed), Oysters, Perch (ocean), Salmon (wild, from Alaska), Sardines, Scallops, Shad, Sole, Sturgeon (farmed), Trout, Whitefish

Eat sparingly (less than six 6 oz servings a month):

Carp, Cod, Crab (dungeness), Crab (blue), Crab (snow), Mahi Mahi, Perch (freshwater), Pollock*, Snapper, Tilapia*

Avoid (less than three 6 oz servings a month):

Bluefish, Croaker, Halibut, Lobster (American/Maine), Rockfish, Sea Bass (excluding Chilean Sea Bass, which should be completely avoided), Salmon (wild, Atlantic), Sea Trout (Weakfish),

Do not eat:

Chilean Sea Bass*, Grouper, Mackerel (king), Marlin, Monkfish*, Orange Roughy*, Shark*, Shrimp*, Swordfish*, Tilefish, Tuna* (including fresh tuna, canned white albacore and canned chunk light)

* Species in which fishing is unsustainable or has serious negative impacts on the environment.

Sources used for this recommendation:

Natural Resources Defense Council,
Mercury Policy Project, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration

Note:

To find out specific fish advisories in your state, visit, www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish.

Fishing and farming practices of select species have raised environmental concerns. Check the Ocean Friendly Seafood Guide to learn more at, www.blueocean.org.

We encourage consumers to educate themselves on the fish they consume, the fishing practices involved and bear in mind the potential hidden environmental costs associated with them..  Refer to the Better Buys Guide to learn more at www.greenpeace.org.uk/oceans/supermarkets/better_buys.cfm