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GA Division of Public Health Chemical Hazards Program http://www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us Phone: (404) 657-6534 The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service College of Family and Consumer Sciences http://www.gafamilies.com Phone: (706) 542-8866 A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO EATING FISH AND SEAFOOD FROM NORTH GEORGIA North Georgia Fish Consumption Guidelines for Nursing and Pregnant Women, and Children GA Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division http://www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ Phone: (706) 369-6376 or (404) 656-4713 To receive a copy of the complete "Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters," contact GA EPD or visit: http://www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ This brochure was produced by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health and the University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension Service, College of Family and Consumer Sciences. What you should know if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or nursing a child Georgia Department of Human Resources The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service College of Family and Consumer Sciences Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division How to Read this Map Fish caught in most counties should be eaten no more than once each week. In other counties, fish should not be eaten more than once a month. Look at the map above to see the guideline in your area. Remember-- Different types of fish have different amounts of contaminants. For example, bream, panfish, and crappie often have lower concentrations and can be eaten more often than larger sport fish. The Benefits of Eating Fish and Seafood Fish and seafood are excellent sources of protein, minerals, and vitamins, and play a role in maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fish is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the development of a healthy baby. According to the American Heart Association, Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and seafood are also essential for good cardiovascular health for adults. Concerns About Eating Fish and Seafood Some fish contain contaminants, such as mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that can be harmful if you eat them too often. Over time, your body may build up harmful levels of toxic chemicals that can affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby. Contaminated fish may not look, smell, or taste different, but they can still harm you and your child. Women who are or may become pregnant should contact their local health department or the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for more detailed information. Frequently Asked Questions about Eating Fish and Seafood from North Georgia Q. Are fish from North Georgia safe to eat? Q. What can I do to protect myself and my child from chemicals found in fish? A. Yes, in most instances. However, some types of fish and seafood may contain contaminants that are a concern for pregnant women and young children. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or may become pregnant, and children under seven should follow the general recommendations on the map and choose fish that are likely to contain minimal amounts of contaminants. Q. Which types of fish are most likely to have high levels of contaminants and which types are likely to have low levels? A. The following chart lists species that typically contain higher levels of mercury and species that typically contain lower levels . Also, keep in mind that larger fish usually have higher contaminant levels than smaller fish. For example, a 12" largemouth bass will usually be much safer to eat than a 16" largemouth bass from the same body of water. A. Follow the suggestions below: Eat safer types of fish Eat a variety of fish Avoid eating fish known to have high levels of contamination Find safer ways to prepare fish and seafood Before cooking, remove organs, skin and fat as shown in the diagram below Cook the fish in a way that the fat can drip away from the fish, such as grilling Avoid deep frying fish Limit how much fish and seafood you eat Nationally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women should eat only a couple of servings of fish and seafood each week Follow the guidelines in this brochure when eating locally caught fish in your area Higher Risk Species Largemouth Bass Hybrid Bass Striped Bass White Bass Pickerel Bowfin Gar Catfish Suckers Lower Risk Species Bream Sunfish Crappie Panfish Trout What About Store Bought Fish? Fish and seafood can contain trace amounts of contaminants; fish sold in stores and restaurants are no exception. However, smaller, non-predatory fish generally contain less mercury. Based on reports from the FDA, fish and seafood should be part of a balanced diet for pregnant women. However, some long-lived, large fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish may contain high mercury concentrations and should not be eaten. FDA recommends eating a couple of servings of fish each week, and suggests a variety of store bought fish such as shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish or farm raised fish. The Coosa River Basin Parts of the Coosa River Basin are known to contain higher levels of PCBs, which collect in fish fat. To reduce your chance of eating fish contaminated with PCBs, eat fish lower in fat (bream, crappie) and trim the fat as recommended before preparation.