In a U.S. Geological Survey study that tested fish from nearly 300 streams, the toxic substance was found in each fish sampled – although only a quarter had mercury levels that exceeded what the Environmental Protection Agency says is safe for human consumption.
This story hits close to home for me because my wife is a little over 4 months pregnant and has been encouraged by our doctor to avoid eating fish for this exact reason -- cutting out one of the favorite portions of our regular diet.
A couple of my favorite California fly fishing waters are also located near old mining grounds, which are blamed for much of the mercury contamination in our fisheries.
While many of the highest mercury levels in this particular report were detected in the South, high levels were also found in “western streams that drain areas mined for mercury and gold.”
One more reason to catch and release my friends.
Be sure to check out the complete findings of the USGS report and the national listing of fish advisories from the Environmental Protection Agency.
