State health and environmental officials announced fresh fish‑consumption advisories for seven Louisiana waterways after recent tissue testing revealed mercury levels that warrant new or updated safety limits. The joint guidance was issued by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
New warnings and updated advisories
Two brand‑new warnings target the Mermentau River and Lake Arthur, as well as the Vermillion River and Bayou Tortue. Five existing advisories were revised for Bayou De Loutre and its associated lakes, the Boeuf River, Lake Bistineau, the Pearl River and Tew Lake. Louisiana already maintains 52 mercury‑related fish advisories across its freshwater system and an additional advisory for certain offshore Gulf species.
How advisories are created
Environmental‑quality staff collect fish tissue samples to monitor mercury and other potential contaminants. LDH analysts then evaluate the data alongside wildlife officers to decide whether new warnings or updates are needed. Each advisory lists the specific waterway, the affected fish species and recommended daily intake limits.
Why mercury matters
Mercury occurs naturally but also enters waterways through human activities such as industrial processes and coal‑fired power generation. Over time it accumulates in fish, especially larger predator species. Consuming fish with high mercury levels on a regular basis can lead to buildup in the body, potentially affecting the brain and nervous system.
Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, children under age seven and frequent anglers are advised to be especially cautious. The advisories do not call for a complete stop to eating fish; rather, they encourage selecting smaller fish, varying catch locations and following the specific limits for each waterway.
Practical steps for anglers
- Choose smaller, younger fish that typically contain less mercury.
- Rotate fishing spots to avoid repeatedly harvesting from a single, higher‑risk waterway.
- Follow the posted intake limits for each advisory, which are available online.
- Remember that cleaning or cooking fish does not remove mercury.
Where to find more information
Current advisories and an interactive map are posted on LDH’s Eat Safe Fish website at www.ldh.la.gov/Eatsafefish. Residents can also call 1‑888‑293‑7020 for guidance. Physical notices may be posted at public boat launches.
Additional monitoring details are available on LDEQ’s Fish Consumption, Swimming, and Sediment Advisories page at www.deq.louisiana.gov. For advice on commercially sold or restaurant‑served fish, contact the Food and Drug Administration at 1‑800‑SAFEFOOD or visit www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish.
Community impact
While the advisories underscore the importance of protecting public health, officials emphasized that fish remain a valuable source of protein for Louisiana families. By following the recommended limits, anglers can continue to enjoy local catches while minimizing health risks.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
