Fish Consumption Advisory for Escambia River

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Fish Consumption Advisory for Escambia River

On August 22, 2007, the Florida Department of Health issued the following advisory about eating fish caught in the southern part of the Escambia River:
TALLAHASSEE—Department of Health (DOH) State Surgeon General Ana M.Viamonte Ros M.D., MPH, announced today that a Fish Consumption Advisory has been issued for the Escambia River south of SR 184 (Quintette Road) to the mouth of the river in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The advisory recommends consumers eat no more than one 6-ounce meal of skinless striped mullet per week from the designated area due to increased levels of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s).

Largemouth bass from these waters were also found to have increased levels of the same chemicals and are already under an advisory to limit consumption because of mercury. Women of childbearing age and young children should not eat more than one 6-ounce meal of largemouth bass per month. All other consumers should eat no more than one 6-ounce meal of largemouth bass per week. By following these recommendations, people can continue to enjoy the benefits of eating fish and avoid the risks of these chemicals.

Earlier reports of dioxin-like compounds pointed to possible health effects from eating crabs and oysters from Escambia waters. DOH review has concluded that the levels found in Escambia crabs and oysters do not amount to a health concern.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this warning issued?
The Florida Department of Health issued this warning after reviewing data from a study conducted by the University of West Florida. The Florida Department of Health, in Tallahassee, has experts in toxicology, which is the science of determining how chemicals affect human health, and are best able to make a determination like this one.

What waterways are covered in this warning?
This warning applies to striped mullet and largemouth bass caught in the Escambia River south of State Road 184, which is also called Quintette Road, down to the mouth of the river -- this includes both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. It also covers any tributaries -- a cove, canal, or creek -- that is directly connected to the Escambia River south of State Road 184 or Quintette Road.

And which fish does this affect? How much should I eat?
There are two types of fish covered in this warning -- striped mullet and largemouth bass.
For striped mullet caught in this part of the River or its tributaries, adults and children should eat one skinless six-ounce filet per week. It is important to remove the skin.
For largemouth bass caught in this part of the River, the warning about it is slightly different because the largemouth bass were also found to contain mercury which may harm a woman who becomes pregnant as well as young children. So for largemouth bass, women of childbearing age and young children can eat one six-ounce filet per month. All other individuals can eat one six-ounce filet per week.

Doesn't cooking or frying kill anything in fish that can hurt me?
No, not in this case. Cooking and frying do not make striped mullet and largemouth bass caught in this portion of the Escambia River safe to eat. Eat only the recommended amounts of these two types of fish caught in the part of the River identified by this advisory (recommended amounts are listed in the prior question).
What about the crabs and oysters? Are they safe or not?
The Florida Department of Health determined that the crabs and oysters caught in the Escambia River are safe to eat.

For More Information, To See a Map of River that is Under Advisory
Contact the Escambia County Health Department at http://www.EscambiaHealth.com or 595-6700.