Washington State Department of Health issues advice about eating fish from specific waterbodies when chemicals found in certain fish species may harm your health. We evaluate data collected by other agencies, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine whether contaminants found in fish are harmful to your health. We make recommendations about how to protect your health based on this information.
The following fish consumption advisories are for everyone. Advisories involving mercury are more a concern for women who are pregnant or might become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children.
Explore Fresh Water and Marine Area Fish Consumption Advisories by Location
In addition, we have two statewide fish consumption advisories that apply to every waterbody in Washington State. Both advisories are based on mercury contamination, and are intended to protect women who are or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children. They cover three species of fish:
- Northern Pikeminnow: DO NOT EAT.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass: Limit to 2 meals per month.
Fish is good for you and a part of a healthy diet. To understand the concerns over contamination in fish and how to reduce your exposure, visit our Fish Information page. For reports and publications relating to specific waterbodies, visit our Fish Consumption Advisories Publication page.
