Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Toxic fish on our coast
Ever wonder if it is safe to eat fish caught at Ventura beaches? Now a scientific study has resulted in health advisories:
A total of 1,373 fish from 22 species or species groups were collected along the coastal waters of southern California from Ventura Harbor in Ventura County to San Mateo Point in Orange County. Fish were analyzed for one or more of the contaminants PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites), chlordane, dieldrin, and mercury. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) evaluated the contaminant data to determine whether harmful health effects might occur if certain sport fish from these areas were eaten regularly.
A related study also listed largemouth bass from Lake Casitas as having high levels of mercury.
More here:
http://oehha.ca.gov/fish/so_cal/socal061709.html
http://spoutingoff.wordpress.com/2009/06/23/somethings-fishy/
Labels:
coastal management,
Ecosystem