Fish Consumption Advisory

Fishing in Sauk County’s lakes, streams, and rivers has been a long lived tradition and will continue to provide many fond memories for generations to come. With fishing being such a popular past time, it is inevitable that consuming fish would be so as well. When you eat fish it is important to watch what kind, size, and quantity of fish you are consuming.

Why is it important?

Fish in Wisconsin contain Mercury and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that are known to cause adverse effects at certain levels. People who regularly eat fish containing mercury and PCBs may have adverse health associated with it. In particular, pregnant women who consume fish may put their children at risk of nervous system development issues, low birth weights, and impaired learning ability. In adults they are attributed to problems with reproductive function, immune and nervous systems, cardiovascular health, as well as an increased risk of cancer.

Mercury

Mercury is an element that is found naturally in the earth’s crust. The majority of mercury that is found in fish is due to a byproduct of coal powered power plants. The mercury, which is released into the atmosphere, eventually finds its way into Wisconsin water ways. It is converted to methylmercury which then accumulates in fish and other aquatic species. As fish grow, so does the concentration of mercury in that fish. This is why it is important to eat smaller fish and follow the Wisconsin DNR’s Safe Eating Guide Lines.

PCBs

PCBs are man-made synthetic chemicals that were once used in many industrial practices. Since 1977 PCB production and use has been banned. Although these chemicals have not been used in over 30 years they still pose a health concern. Due to the chemical structure of PCBs they are unable to be broken down. Wherever PCBs were dumped or released they will be present. PCBs are found in the fat of fish, so it is important to trim the fat and skin of a fillet before eating it. Like mercury, the larger the fish, the larger quantities of PCBs will exist.