Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein. However, some fish contain elevated levels of mercury. Such fish could pose health risks if eaten in large amounts.

The purpose of this information is not to discourage you from eating fish. It is intended as a guide to help you select sizes and species of fish that are low in mercury. By following these recommendations, you and your family can continue to enjoy the benefits of eating fish.

In South Dakota, an advisory is issued when the mercury concentration in fish flesh samples equals or exceeds 1 part per million.

• Current fish consumption advisories are available via the SD Dept. of Health. To view these advisories, click >HERE<

• The General category includes men, children over 7 years of age, and women who do not fit into the category entitled, "Women." Fish consumption may exceed the recommended rate as long as consumption averages out to one 7 ounce meal per week.

• The Women category includes any woman who is pregnant, plans to become pregnant, or who is nursing. The consumption recommendation assumes a woman weighing approximately 140 pounds. Fish consumption should not exceed the monthly recommendation at any time.

• The Children category includes children under 7 years of age. Fish consumption should not exceed the monthly recommendation at any time.

• A 7-ounce portion is roughly the size of two decks of playing cards.

The South Dakota Departments of Health, Environment & Natural Resources and Game Fish, & Parks cooperate to test fish for metals, pesticides and PCBs. Fish from various water bodies have been tested since 1994.

• A complete list of water bodies tested is available via the state Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.  To view this list of waters, click >HERE<

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recommendation for consumption of fish from freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams where mercury levels are not currently known:

If you are pregnant, could become pregnant, are nursing a baby, or are feeding a young child, limit consumption of freshwater fish caught by family and friends to one meal per week. For adults one meal is six ounces of cooked fish or eight ounces uncooked fish; for a young child one meal is two ounces cooked fish or three ounces uncooked fish.

Women who are pregnant, could become pregnant, are nursing a baby, or are feeding young children should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

FDA further advises that women of childbearing age and pregnant women should limit consumption of fish to 12 ounces each week. For example, if in a given week you eat 12 ounces of cooked fish from a store or restaurant, do not eat fish caught by your family or friends during that week. This is important to keep the total level of methylmercury contributed by all fish at a low level in your body

Yes. You can’t look at fish and tell if they contain chemical pollutants. The only way to tell if fish contain harmful levels of chemical pollutants is to have them tested in a laboratory. Follow these simple guidelines to lower the risk to your family:

• If you eat gamefish, such as walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass, eat the smaller, younger fish (within legal limits). They are less likely to contain harmful levels of pollutants than larger older fish.

• Eat panfish, such as yellow perch, crappies, bluegill and stream trout. They feed on insects and other aquatic life and are less likely to contain high levels of harmful pollutants.

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