Fish Consumption Advisories

Although catching and eating fish and shellfish is an important part of the way of life for many Louisianans, there may be health risks associated with eating fish or shellfish harvested from particular water bodies in Louisiana. When harmful chemicals are released into the environment, these chemicals may contaminate some lakes, rivers, streams or ponds. Over time, these contaminants may accumulate in the bodies of the fish or shellfish that live there. When these contaminated fish or shellfish are caught and consumed, the contaminants may get into the body of the person that consumed them, which may pose a threat to human health. Fish consumption advisories are issued when contaminants are found at levels that may potentially impact the public's health.

To explore fish consumption advisories data, click here.

Tracking Fish Consumption Advisories in Louisiana

The Health Data Portal contains information on the number of current mercury fish consumption advisories in Louisiana, including coastal advisories for mercury and other chemical contaminants. The LDH Health/Fish Consumption Advisories Program, in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), issues fish consumption advisories to ensure that fish and shellfish harvested in Louisiana are safe to eat. If pesticide contamination is suspected, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is also consulted during the course of advisory development and dissemination. 

Louisiana fish consumption advisories are developed using a risk based public health assessment method which establishes consumption levels designed to prevent adverse effects. In most cases, fish are sampled by the LDEQ in areas of suspected chemical contamination such as near facilities that have experienced spills or have had poor wastewater management practices in the past.  The LDEQ is active in remediating contaminated areas and in correcting the actions that caused the contamination to occur. Due to the widespread occurrence of mercury in Louisiana and the nation, popular fishing areas and many other water bodies statewide have been sampled to determine the extent of risks due to mercury. If it is determined there is a need for a health advisory, press releases are prepared for public dissemination of the information. The Protocol for Issuing Public Health Advisories for Chemical Contaminants in Recreationally Caught Fish and Shellfish contains detailed information about how fish advisories are developed in Louisiana.

Data Sources

LDH Health/Fish Consumption Advisories Program

Additional Info

For more information, please visit the Health Data Portal or email us at tracking@la.gov.

LDH Frequently Asked Questions about Health/Fish Consumption Advisories

U.S. EPA and FDA - Advice About Eating Fish (PDF)

U.S. EPA Fish and Shellfish Advisories and Safe Eating Guidelines

LDEQ Fish Consumption Advisories

LDEQ Mercury Initiative

LDWF Fish Consumption Advisories

LDAF Pesticide and Environmental Programs