2011 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory - Overall Advice

Fish can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Fish are generally low in fat and high in protein. Fish contain a number of vitamins and minerals, and are the primary food source for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are important during fetal brain and eye development and may help to prevent heart disease in adults. Health experts recommend that regular consumption of fish be included as part of a healthy diet. People fishing in Ohio are encouraged to pick safer places to fish, choose safer species to eat, trim and cook the fish correctly, and follow the recommended meal frequency:

How often can I safely eat sport fish caught in Ohio?
 

	Two meals per week	Sunfish (for example Bluegill, Longear, Redear, Green, Pumpkinseed), except Ashtabula River and Nesmith Lake, and where listed in the Limit Meals page
		Yellow Perch (Statewide)
		Where listed in the Limit Meals page
	One meal per week	Any fish or location not covered above or below. See the Statewide Advisory page for the reasons why there is a statewide one meal per week advisory
	One meal per month	Flathead Catfish 23" and over (Statewide)
		Northern Pike 23" and over (Statewide)
		Steelhead Trout (Lake Erie and tributaries only)
		See more fish and locations on the Limit Meals page
	One meal every two months	See fish and locations on the Limit Meals page
	Do not eat	See fish and locations on the Limit Meals page or the Do Not Eat page

Find sport fish consumption advisories by clicking on map locations on the waterbody map page.

Are there other advisories?

Do not wade or swim at these locations
Another advisory is issued that cautions against skin contact. The waters and/or sediments in these areas have high levels of contaminants. It is recommended that a person not swim or wade in these water body sections. Follow the link to see the locations in this advisory.

Do not eat snapping turtle meat from these locations
In addition to the advisories above, Ohio EPA advises not eating snapping turtle meat from some locations. Follow the link to see the locations in this advisory.

Go to Questions & Answers for additional information.