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Eating fish safely in Massachusetts

While fish are an important part of a nutritious and varied diet, people who are pregnant should be aware of the possible dangers of eating fish caught in Massachusetts streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and some coastal waters.
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Why are some fish and shellfish not safe for people who are pregnant to eat?

Some fish and shellfish may contain chemicals that can harm you and your baby’s health. With the exception of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), fish consumption advice does not apply to fish stocked in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Stocked fish are raised in fish hatcheries and then released into the wild.  Therefore, they are unlikely to spend enough time in a lake or pond to become contaminated.

What chemicals are found in these fish and shellfish?

Mercury and PCBs are the primary chemicals of concern. Mercury is a naturally occurring metal found in the environment. However, mercury is also released by coal burning power plants. Once released into the air, it can travel long distances and be deposited on soil and in water bodies. PCBs are man- made chemicals that were banned in the 1970s. However, due to their widespread use, PCBs can still be found in our environment and get into our food.

Additional Resources

How do chemicals and metals get into the fish?

Chemicals and metals get into the fish from pollution in the water and sediments where they live. When larger fish eat smaller fish, they also ingest their chemicals.

How do these chemicals affect health?

Developing fetuses, nursing babies, and young children are affected by mercury. Small amounts can damage the brain even before birth. High levels of mercury can affect how well children learn, think, behave, and develop later in life. Children who have been exposed to mercury in the womb can experience symptoms even if their mothers do not.

Is there a way of cleaning or cooking the fish to get rid of the chemicals?

No. If a fish contains mercury, there is no way to remove the chemical. It cannot be cut, cleaned or cooked out.

Can these chemicals affect adults and older children?

Yes. At higher levels, adults and older children can experience health effects from these chemicals. Some of these chemicals can affect your memory or behavior. They can make your skin tingle or feel numb. Some are also suspected of causing liver problems and some types of cancer.

Guidelines

Guidelines for children under 12; and people who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant:

  • Do Not Eat:
    • Freshwater fish caught in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds in Massachusetts
    • Bluefish caught off the Massachusetts coast
    • Lobsters, flounder, soft-shell clams and bivalves from Boston Harbor
  • Safe To Eat:

Guidelines for everyone, including the groups listed above:

  • Do Not Eat:
    • Fish, shellfish, or lobsters from Area I of New Bedford Harbor
    • Lobsters or bottom feeding fish from Area II of New Bedford Harbor
    • Lobsters from Area III of New Bedford Harbor
    • Lobster tomalley

More info:

In 2017, the federal government issued additional advice about safe fish consumption. See the FDA website and EPA website for more information.

Downloadable guides

Contact   for Eating fish safely in Massachusetts

Phone

Main Call Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, Main at (617) 624-5757
TTY Call Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, TTY at (617) 624-5286

Fax

(617) 624-5777

Address

250 Washington St., 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
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