Fish Consumption Advisories
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.
The South Dakota Dept. of Health, Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources, and GFP cooperate to test fish for metals, pesticides and PCBs. Over 100 of South Dakota's most popular fishing waters have been tested for fish contaminates and as a result, eight fish consumption advisories have been issued for elevated mercury levels. A complete list of water bodies tested is available on the Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources website.
Consumption Guidelines for Waters with Advisories
General: includes men, children over seven years of age, and women who do not fit into the category entitled, "High Risk." Fish consumption may exceed the recommended rate for a period of time as long as consumption averages out to one seven-ounce meal per week.
High Risk: 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 recommendation of seven ounces per month (12 meals/year).
Children: includes children less than seven years of age. Fish consumption should not exceed the recommendation of four ounces per month (12 meals/year). A seven-ounce portion is about two medium-size portions or roughly the size of two decks of playing cards. For more information on waters that have been tested or active fish consumption advisories call the Department of Health at 605-773-3364.
The most current fish consumption advisories are available on the Dept. of Health website.
| MERCURY FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lake | County | Species |
| Newell Lake | Butte | Walleye - 18" and larger |
| Lake Roosevelt | Tripp County | Largemouth Bass (fish > 18 inches) |
| Lake Hurley | Potter County | Largemouth Bass (fish > 18 inches) |
| Pudwell Dam | Corson County | Walleye (fish > 18 inches) |
| W. Hwy 81 / Twin Lakes | Kingsbury County | Walleye (fish > 18 inches) Northern Pike (fish > 19 inches) |
| Bitter Lake | Day County | Walleye (all sizes) Northern Pike (fish > 30 inches) |
| Lake Isabel | Dewey County | Northern Pike (fish > 25 inches) Largemouth Bass (fish > 17 inches) |
| North Island Lake | Minnehaha & McCook Counties | Walleye (fish > 18 inches) |
| Twin Lakes | Minnehaha County | Walleye |
For More Information:
- More information pertaining to mercury and fish consumption is available by calling the
SD Department of Health at (605) 773-3364. - More information about "why mercury is a problem and where does it come from" can be found at USGS Mercury In the Environment