The Connecticut Department of Public Health issues a yearly advisory for reducing fish consumption when chemical levels in fish tissue are unsafe. Fish from Connecticut waters are a good, low cost source of protein. Unfortunately, fish can build up chemicals in their bodies such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that may be contaminants in the water. Eating these fish may affect your family’s health. The following fact sheets provide information about the advisory, and how to eat fish safely.  

 

For more information call: 860-509-7740 

Or toll free: 877-458-FISH (3474)

 

Technical Information

• Eating Fish: Risks and Benefits
• Methylmercury Risks and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits in Developing Species: Quantitative Approach for Incorporating - Specific Fish Consumption Advice

 

Fact Sheets

• If I Catch It, Can I Eat It? A Guide to Eating Fish Safely
  • English Version   (2019)
  • Spanish Version  (2019)

• A Guide for Avid Fish Eaters
  • English Version (2016)

• A Woman's Guide to Eating Fish Safely - Information for Pregnant Women
  • English Version (2019) 
  • Spanish Version (2019)

• Sign: English Version (2016)    Spanish Version (2016)
• Card: English version     Spanish version
• Q & A for Supermarket Fish Department Staff

Visual Examples of Fish Species Noted In CT Fish Consumption Advisory

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Black Bullhead, Bullheads (and catfish) from Brewster Pond in Stratford should not be eaten. People in the High Risk Group should not eat Bullheads and catfish from the Housatonic River.

Bluefish over 25 inches and Striped Bass caught in Long Island Sound and connected rivers should not be eaten by people in the High Risk Group.

Brown Trout

These fish are generally safe to eat because they are stocked and fished regularly . People in the High Risk Group should eat smaller trout (under 15 inches).

Carp

Carp caught in the Housatonic River should not be eaten by anyone. People in the High Risk Group should not eat carp caught in the Connecticut River.

Large Mouth Bass

 

Small Mouth Bass

Large and Smallmouth Bass caught in the following lakes should not be eaten by people in the High Risk Group:

• Dodge Pond -East Lyme

• Lake McDonough - Barkhamsted

• Silver Lake - Berlin/Meriden 

• Lake Wyassup - North Stonington

• Quinnipiac River - above Quinnipiac Gorge

In addition, people in the high risk group should not eat any Bass from the Housatonic River.

American Eel

Eels caught in the Housatonic River should not be eaten.

For More Information:

• Health Questions? Contact The Department of Health: (860) 509-7740 or toll-free at 1-(877)-458-FISH (3474)

• Fishing in CT Questions? Contact The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: (860) 424-3474