The advisories include two new warnings and updates to five existing advisories. Louisiana currently has 52 fish consumption advisories for mercury in freshwater areas, as well as an advisory for certain offshore species in the Gulf.
LDEQ conducts fish tissue sampling for mercury and other contaminants. LDH uses those data, in consultation with LDEQ and LDWF, to determine when a new fish consumption advisory is needed, or an existing advisory should be updated. Each advisory identifies the affected waterway, fish species, and recommended consumption limits.
The new and updated advisories include:
- Mermentau River and Lake Arthur — new advisory
- Vermillion River and Bayou Tortue — new advisory
- Bayou De Loutre and associate lakes — updated advisory
- Boeuf River — updated advisory
- Lake Bistineau — updated advisory
- Pearl River — updated advisory
- Tew Lake — updated advisory
Eating fish containing high levels of mercury over a long period of time can cause mercury to build up in the body and affect the brain and nervous system. Developing fetuses and children under age 7 are particularly sensitive because their nervous systems are still developing.
People who should pay particular attention to fish consumption advisories include pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, women who are breastfeeding, children under age 7, and people who regularly eat fish caught from waters under a mercury advisory.
Current Louisiana fish consumption advisories are available at LDH's Eat Safe Fish website or by calling 1-888-293-7020. Advisories may also be posted at public boat launches.