Fishing is a great way to get outdoors and fish are part of a healthy diet. However, some fish have contaminants, like mercury, that can be harmful to human health. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to mercury and other contaminants found in fish.
As a new fishing season begins, state public health officials are encouraging anglers to remember to “Look, Hook, Cook”: Look it up before you hook it and cook it to keep you and your family healthy. Fish consumption advisories help you decide where to fish, which fish you should or shouldn’t keep, and how much fish is safe to eat. Consumption advisories are set for certain species of fish from specific waterbodies based on the levels of contaminants found in them.
Visit fishadvisories.utah.gov to look for any fish advisories in your area. If there is an advisory, follow the recommended monthly meal limits. Meal limits are based on two standard meal sizes: 8 ounces for adults (about the size of two decks of playing cards) and 4 ounces for children and pregnant or nursing women (about the size of one deck of playing cards). See an example infographic for a fish consumption.
