Fish Consumption Limits Issued For Northeast Minnesota Waters

The Minnesota Department of Health just announced new fish consumption guidelines. In yesterday's press release, the department outlined types of fish and regions where higher mercury levels exist. Also, a concern is the PFAs found in lakes and rivers. These forever chemicals can also cause health problems.

Northeast Minnesota Fish Consumption Guidelines have been posted on the Minnesota Department of Health's website. This includes lakes in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.

Children Under 15, Girls, Women, and people who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding guidelines.

Do not eat Muskellunge, Northern Pike 26 inches or longer, Walleye 18 inches or longer. They have found that larger fish have higher mercury levels in them.

1 serving per month of Bass, Catfish, Lake trout, Northern Pike (less than 26 inches), Walleye (less than 18 inches), and yellow perch.

1 serving per week limit is recommended for Bullhead, Crappie, Inland Trout, Lake herring (cisco), Lake whitefish, and sunfish.

General Population Guidelines For Northeast Minnesota

1 serving per month of Muskellunge, 1 serving per week of Bass, Catfish, Lake trout, Northern pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Up to 4 servings per week are for Bullhead, Inland Trout, Lake Herring, and Lake Whitefish.

Read More: Watch Fishing Guide Drive Through Foot Of Water On Lake Of The Woods

Northeast Minnesota Has Higher Mercury Levels

Lakes in Northeast Minnesota have higher mercury levels than other regions in the state. The biggest factor is taconite mining and pollution. MPR reports that efforts to reduce emissions from coal-powered plants have resulted in a two-thirds reduction, but levels continue to rise.

Guidelines For Purchased Fish

There are recommended guidelines for even store-bought or restaurant-purchased fish for children and pregnant women. For example, you should only eat 1 serving per week of canned light tuna or halibut. Do not eat Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Big Eye Tuna.