Guidelines for eating fish from Georgia waters, 2003 update

Guidelines For Eating Fish From
Georgia Waters
2003 Update
Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.E., Suite 1252
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9000

For more information on fish consumption in Georgia, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Environmental Protection Division 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.E., Suite 1152
Atlanta, GA 30334-9000 (404) 656-4713 or (706) 369-6376
Wildlife Resources Division 2123 U.S. Hwy. 278, S.E. Social Circle, GA 30025 (770) 918-6418
Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Brunswick, Ga. 31520 (912) 264-7218
Check the DNR Web Site at: http://www.dnr.state.ga.us
For this booklet: Click on Environmental. Choose Georgia's Environment. Click on fish consumption guidelines. For the current Georgia 2003-2004 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations, Click on Wildlife. Click on Fishing. Choose Fishing Regulations. Or, go to http://www.gofishgeorgia.com For more information on Coastal Fisheries and 2003-2004 Regulations, Click on Coastal. Choose Recreational Fishing. For information on Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) source reduction, reuse options, proper disposal or recycling, Click on P2AD (Pollution Prevention Assistance), and select HHW listed topics.
Call the DNR Toll Free Tip Line at 1-800-241-4113 to report fish kills, spills, sewer overflows, dumping or poaching (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Check USEPA and USFDA for Federal Guidance on Fish Consumption USEPA: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fishadvice USFDA: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/seafood.html
Image Credits:
Covers: Duane Raver Art Collection, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Rainbow Trout on Front Cover and Spotted Seatrout on Back Cover. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Line Drawings by Robert Shallenberger: Snowy Egret (p. v); Fisherman (p. 1); Sunfish (p. 2); Raccoon (pp. 3 & 6); Yellow Bullhead (p. 5). Diagram of Fish Fat Areas (p. 7): Redrawn by Georgia EPD from other sources USEPA Watershed Clip Art (pp. 4 & 8).
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ V ARE GEORGIA'S FISH SAFE TO EAT? ...................................................... 1
HOW DO GEORGIA'S FISH COMPARE?................................................... 2 HOW DO FISH BECOME CONTAMINATED?........................................... 3
WHAT IS BEING DONE?................................................................................ 3 BENEFITS OF EATING FISH ........................................................................ 5 RISKS OF CONTAMINATED FISH .............................................................. 5
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, NURSING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN .............................................................................................. 6 WAYS TO REDUCE RISK .............................................................................. 7
USING THESE GUIDELINES......................................................................... 8 FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES......................................................... 10
GEORGIA PUBLIC LAKES 500 ACRES OR LARGER ...................................... 10 GEORGIA PUBLIC LAKES AND PONDS LESS THAN 500 ACRES.................... 18 GEORGIA FRESHWATER RIVERS AND CREEKS.............................................. 23 GEORGIA ESTUARINE SYSTEMS ................................................................... 44 SPECIAL LISTINGS.......................................................................................... 46 SPECIAL MERCURY GUIDANCE ON KING MACKEREL................................. 47 INDEX .............................................................................................................. 48

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iv

Introduction
Fishing is a popular pastime in Georgia. Whether you go alone to relax and enjoy nature, with your friends to enjoy camaraderie and "fish tales" or with your family to pass on a sport you learned as a child, fishing is a fun and rewarding sport enjoyed by many people.
Not only does fishing give people an excuse to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it can also put a healthy, satisfying meal on the table. Fish are low in saturated fat, high in protein, and can have substantial health benefits when eaten in place of other high-fat foods. The quality of sport fish caught in Georgia is very good; however, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, chlordane, DDT residues (DDT/DDE/DDD), toxaphene (and related compounds), and dieldrin have been found in some fish. In most cases, the levels of these chemicals are low. However, to help ensure the good health of Georgians, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed guidelines for how often certain species of fish can be safely eaten. These guidelines are based on the best scientific information and procedures available. As more advanced procedures are developed, these guidelines may change.
It is important to keep in mind that the consumption recommendations are based on health-risk calculations for someone eating fish with similar contamination over a period of 30 years or more.
These guidelines are not intended to discourage people from eating fish, but should be used as a guide for choosing which type (species) and size of fish to eat from Georgia waters.
The guidelines are non-binding recommendations EPD determines based on the body of water a fish comes from, the species of fish and the amount of fish a person consumes. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide detailed information in an understandable format for people who eat fish. Waters listed in the fish consumption guidelines are not necessarily assessed as impaired using USEPA guidelines for Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.
The river basin where tested sites are located has been identified in the tables. The fourteen major river basins in Georgia are shown on the map provided, preceding the consumption guidance tables. The listings for lakes have been divided into those with a surface area of 500 acres or more, and small lakes and ponds less than 500 acres in size. The Georgia rivers have also been divided into freshwater rivers and creeks, and estuarine systems. An index is provided at the back of the booklet for quick page reference to lake, river and estuarine locations that have been tested.
v

Are Georgia's Fish Safe to Eat?
Yes. The quality of fish in Georgia is good. Fish and seafood are nutritious and can play a role in maintaining a healthy well-balanced diet. This booklet provides you with the guidance and recommendations to use in eating fish in a healthy and informed manner. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has one of the most progressive fish testing programs in the southeast. A variety of different fish species were tested for 43 separate contaminants, including metals, organic chemicals and pesticides. Many of these contaminants did not appear in any fish. However, two contaminants, PCBs and mercury, were frequently detected in significant amounts in a few species from some bodies of water in Georgia. Four additional contaminants, chlordane, DDT residues (DDT/DDE/DDD), toxaphenelike compounds, and dieldrin were also detected infrequently. This publication provides you with information on those six contaminants: PCBs, mercury, chlordane, DDT/DDE/DDD, toxaphene and dieldrin.
In some areas, fish are contaminated with low concentrations of PCBs, which stands for polychlorinated biphenyls. It is now illegal to manufacture PCBs; however, in the past, these synthetic oils were used regularly as fluids for electrical transformers, cutting oils, and carbonless paper. Although they were banned in 1976, they do not break down easily and remain in aquatic sediments for years. Over time levels of PCBs are decreasing.
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that does not break down as it cycles between land, water, and air. As mercury cycles through the environment it is absorbed and ingested by plants and animals. Nearly all of the mercury found in fish flesh is an organic form, called methylmercury. Most of the mercury absorbed or ingested will be returned to the environment but some will remain in the plant and animal tissues. It is not known where the mercury in Georgia's fish originated. Mercury may be present in fish because of the mercury content of soils and rocks in the southeast, from municipal and industrial sources, or from fossil fuel use. Scientific evidence is growing that mercury is transported long distances through the upper atmosphere, making its control a global environmental issue. Although mercury has always been present, scientific research shows that the amount of mercury cycling through the environment has increased significantly following the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.
Chlordane is a man-made pesticide used in the U.S. from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. Historically, chlordane was used as an agricultural pesticide, but in 1978 it was restricted to termite control use only. It is now banned for all uses. Chlordane is persistent in the environment and may remain in aquatic sediments for years.
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Fish at only one site (Albany By-Pass Pond), had enough DDE/DDD residues to recommend a restriction in consumption. The DDE/DDD contaminants are chemical breakdown products of the pesticide DDT. DDT was first synthesized in 1874 and its insecticidal properties were discovered in 1939. In the United States DDT was used extensively until 1969. The U.S. production of DDT was discontinued in 1969. Residues of DDE/DDD are persistent and break down slowly in the environment.
Fish at only one site (Casey Canal), had enough dieldrin to recommend a restriction in consumption. Dieldrin is another chlorinated pesticide like chlordane and DDT, and has been restricted from use in the United States. It was used to control corn and citrus pests, termites, and in moth proofing. Dieldrin is persistent in the environment because of the slow breakdown rate.
Toxaphene was a chlorinated camphene pesticide used extensively on cotton. In 1982 registration for all uses were cancelled, and a ban on all uses went into effect in 1990. One estuarine area (Terry and Dupree Creeks, and the Back River), adjacent to a site where toxaphene was once manufactured has remaining residues of toxaphene-like compounds present in some fish. Toxaphene is also persistent in the environment.
Like PCBs, the chlorinated pesticides do not break down easily and remain in aquatic sediments for years. These organic contaminants tend to concentrate in fat and fatty tissues of fish such as the liver and other organs. Over time levels of PCBs and chlorinated pesticides are decreasing.
Some fish in the Savannah River below Augusta contain the radioactive elements cesium-137 and strontium-90. Exposure to large amounts of these elements may increase the risk of developing cancer.
How Do Georgia's Fish Compare?
Georgia has one of the most extensive fish monitoring programs in the southeast. This is not because Georgia has highly contaminated fish, but because the DNR has made a serious commitment to evaluate fish quality and provide detailed information to the people of Georgia. Review and comparison of data collected nationally on fish tissue contamination that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has assembled shows the quality of fish in Georgia is similar to that in surrounding southeastern states.
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How Do Fish Become Contaminated?
Contaminants get into water as a result of storm water runoff, industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices, nonpoint source pollution and other factors. When it rains, chemicals from the land and in the air are washed into the water.
Contaminants are carried downstream by rivers and creeks into lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries. Contaminants can get into fish in a variety of ways. Fish absorb PCBs, chlordane and other pesticides from either water, suspended sediments, or their food. These chemicals concentrate in the fat of fish tissue and in fatty fish such as carp and catfish. Cleaning and cooking a fish to remove fat will lower the amount of PCBs, chlordane or other pesticides in a fish meal. Larger, older fish and fish which eat other fish may accumulate more contaminants than smaller, younger fish. Contaminants are not usually detected in panfish such as crappie and bluegill.
Once in the water, mercury is converted to methylmercury by bacteria and other processes. Fish absorb methylmercury from their food and from water as it passes over their gills. Mercury is bound to proteins in fish tissue, including muscle.
What is Being Done?
The DNR is committed to protecting Georgia's rivers, streams, lakes and other waters. Both PCBs and chlordane have been banned and the levels of these chemicals are steadily decreasing over time.
The Department began this progressive program to evaluate problem areas and to protect public health by giving people the information they need to make decisions about eating fish from different waters. Although the DNR has evaluated fish tissue since the 1970's, the program was significantly expanded in the 1990's to support development of risk-based consumption guidelines. Testing on additional lakes and rivers is balanced with retesting of waters where changes may be occurring. Contaminant levels in fish change very slowly and sampling the same species of fish from the same locations over time will allow the DNR to document changes and trends in contamination levels.
Georgia has more than 70,150 miles of rivers and streams and more than 425,382 acres of lakes, reservoirs and ponds. It will not be possible for the DNR to sample
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every stream and lake in the state. However, high priority has been placed on the 26 major reservoirs that make up more than 90% of the total lake acreage. Waterways listed in this guide will continue to be sampled as part of a five year rotating schedule of river basin planning and monitoring to track any trends in fish contaminant levels. The Department has also made sampling fish in rivers and streams downstream of urban and/or industrial areas a high priority. The DNR also focuses attention on areas which are frequented by a large number of anglers.
Most lakes and rivers contain a wide variety of fish and selecting which species of fish to test is important. The DNR samples fish that are top predators (high in the food chain) and fish that feed on the bottom. For this reason, largemouth bass and channel catfish are usually the primary species tested. Hybrid bass are also tested in areas with good fisheries for this species. Smaller fish, such as crappie, bluegill and redbreast sunfish, are tested in secondary studies after testing the larger target fish. This is because smaller fish accumulate contaminants more slowly and in smaller amounts than larger fish and bottom feeders.
To prevent future contamination, the Department seeks to identify pollution sources and to work with industries, cities, farms and others to reduce the threat posed by pollutants. In many cases this means implementing new technologies or practices that eliminate the use or creation of contaminants and thus the need to dispose of or discharge these chemicals. State laws have tough Restrictions and penalties for discharge of toxic substances. The DNR is responsible for enforcing these laws in Georgia and for ensuring compliance with these regulations.
Individuals can play a role in preventing contamination of Georgia's waters by recycling and disposing of chemicals, such as oil, antifreeze, paint, and other wastes properly. Manufacturers are working to reduce the use of mercury in their products, but it is still found in common household products such as thermostats, electrical switches, thermometers, some batteries, and fluorescent and mercury vapor lamps. To protect Georgia's waterways from contamination, individuals, industries, farmers and others must learn to modify their day-to-day activities and work practices to apply new ways to prevent pollution. The DNR will continue to work closely with these groups to improve water quality in Georgia. Planning, regulations, facilities modernization, public education and other activities will play a major role in protecting Georgia's waters for future generations.
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Benefits of Eating Fish
Fish has long been recognized as a nutritious "protein food". It's nutritional value as a protein source is greater than that for beef, pork, chicken or milk. Additionally, the types and amounts of dietary fats are generally more "heart healthy" than the fats found in other protein foods. Fish is also an important source of the fatty acids which are critical for the development of the brain and nervous system. Fish is an excellent source of several vitamins, and also contributes appreciable amounts of dietary calcium, iron and zinc. These minerals are essential nutrients that tend to be low in people's diets. Many studies suggest that eating fish regularly may help protect against heart and inflammatory diseases.
These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.
Risks of Contaminated Fish
These guidelines were designed to protect you from experiencing health problems associated with eating contaminated fish. PCBs, methylmercury, chlordane, DDT/DDE/DDD, toxaphene and dieldrin build up in your body over time. It may take months or years of regularly eating contaminated fish to accumulate levels which would affect your health. Keep in mind that these guidelines are based on eating fish with similar contamination over a period of 30 years or more. Current statistics indicate that cancer will affect about one in every four people nationally, primarily due to smoking, diet and hereditary risk factors. If you follow Georgia's consumption guidelines, the contaminants in the fish you eat may not increase your cancer risk at all. At worst, using the USEPA estimates of contaminant potency, your cancer risk from fish consumption should be less than 1 in 10,000.
PCBs, chlordane, DDT/DDD/DDE, toxaphene and dieldrin can cause cancer in laboratory animals exposed to large amounts, and may cause cancer in humans. Effects other than cancer from these chemicals may include developmental problems in children whose mothers were exposed to them before or during pregnancy. Studies of people who have been exposed to very large quantities of these chemicals (pesticide workers, etc.), have indicated a relationship between high exposures and health effects on the nervous system, digestive system, and the immune system.
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Exposure to methylmercury has not been linked to cancer. Methylmercury is a concern because of it's potential to damage the nervous system, especially in the developing fetus and young child. The consumption advice provided in this booklet is developed in a conservative manner. It is intended to protect both children and adults from cancer and the other potential toxic effects of these chemicals.
Special Notice for Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Children
If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, or plan to become pregnant soon, you and children under 6 years of age are sensitive to the effects of contaminants such as mercury. DNR's guidelines are designed to be protective for these sensitive groups. In early 2001 the USEPA issued a national advisory recommending that these sensitive groups limit consumption of all freshwater fish to one meal per week due to mercury. People may wish to follow USEPA's recommendation, especially in areas where DNR has not tested fish and offered detailed guidelines. For most other healthy adults, DNR's recommendations may actually be overly conservative.
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Ways to Reduce Risk
Keep smaller fish for eating. Generally, larger, older fish may be more contaminated than younger, smaller fish. You can minimize your health risk by eating smaller fish (within legal size limits) and releasing the larger fish. Vary the kinds of fish you eat. Contaminants build up in large predators and bottom-feeding fish, like bass and catfish, more rapidly than in other species. By substituting a few meals of panfish, such as bream (e.g. bluegill, redear), and crappie, you can reduce your risk. Eat smaller meals when you eat big fish and eat them less often. If you catch a big fish, freeze part of the catch (mark container or wrapping with species and location), and space the meals from this fish over a period of time. Clean and cook your fish properly. How you clean and cook your fish can reduce the level of contaminants by as much as half in some fish. Some chemicals have a tendency to concentrate in the fatty tissues of fish. By removing the fish's skin and trimming fillets according to the following diagram, you can reduce the level of chemicals substantially. Mercury is bound to the meat of the fish, so these precautions will not help reduce this contaminant. Remove the skin from fillets or steaks. The internal organs (intestines, liver, roe, and so forth), and skin are often high in fat and contaminants. Trim off the fatty areas shown in black on the drawing. These include the belly fat, side or body fat, and the flesh along the top of the back. Careful trimming can reduce some contaminants by 25 to 50%. Cook fish so fat drips away. Broil, bake or grill fish and do not use the drippings. Deep-fat frying removes some contaminants, but you should discard and not reuse the oil for cooking. Pan frying removes few, if any, contaminants.
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Using These Guidelines
Check the following pages (or Index), for the area where you fish. The lakes and rivers on the list are arranged in alphabetical order. If your fish or fishing location is NOT in this booklet, follow the suggestions in Ways to Reduce Risk. The current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations should be consulted for the legal sizes and creel limits for different species in a water body. Some legal size limit information is provided in the following tables. The regulations also provide detailed information on how to measure fish length or other seafood size measures. If your fish or fishing location is in the booklet, it does not necessarily mean that there are contaminants present, but only that the fish have been tested. Meal advice will depend on what contaminant(s) were found and how much was found in different species and sizes of fish. Follow these instructions carefully.
Measure fish from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail fin. On the charts find your lake or river and the species and size of fish you caught. If there is no meal frequency listed for a particular size fish, that size has not been tested or is illegal to keep. For rivers, the size that was tested was the common creel size for that species. Listed below are the four different recommended meal frequencies that are possible for different species and sizes of fish.
no restriction 1 meal per week 1 meal per month
do not eat For the purposes of these guidelines, one meal is assumed to range from 1/4 to 1/2 pound of fish (4-8 ounces) for a 150 pound person. Subtract or add 1 ounce of fish to the range for every 20 pounds of body weight. For example, one meal is assumed to be 3 - 7 ounces for a 130 pound person and 5 - 9 ounces for a 170 pound person.
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RIVER BASINS OF GEORGIA

Chattahoochee River Basin Flint River Basin Coosa River Basin Tallapoosa River Basin Tennessee River Basin Savannah River Basin Ogeechee River Basin

Ochlockonee River Basin Suwannee River Basin Satilla River Basin St. Marys River Basin Oconee River Basin Ocmulgee River Basin Altamaha River Basin

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Fish Consumption Guidelines

The tables for public lakes have been separated into two categories based on size. The first set of lakes are those with a surface area of 500 or more acres. The second listing of public lakes includes those having less than 500 acres in surface area. These include Georgia DNR Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) and State Parks with small lakes and ponds, and municipal or other public fishing impoundments.
These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.

GEORGIA PUBLIC LAKES 500 ACRES OR LARGER

Lake Allatoona

Coosa River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Black Crappie No Restrictions

Carp

No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

White Bass No Restrictions

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Spotted Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Golden Redhorse

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass

1 meal/week Mercury

Lake Andrews Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish

Less than 12"

12" - 16" 1 meal/week

Chattahoochee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

1 meal/week Mercury

No Restrictions

Banks Lake

Species

Less than 12" 12 - 16"

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Suwannee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Mercury

10

Big Haynes Reservoir (Black Shoals)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month

Channel Catfish No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Ocmulgee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Mercury

Mercury

Lake Blackshear

Flint River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12 - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Mercury

*Only Largemouth Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.

Lake Blue Ridge

Tennessee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions*

1 meal/week

Mercury

White Bass

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

* Lake Blue Ridge has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass

Lake Burton

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions*

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

Mercury

White Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Spotted Bass

1 meal/week

Mercury

* Lake Burton has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass

Carters Lake

Coosa River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Spotted Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Walleye

No Restrictions No Restrictions

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Lake Chatuge Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish
Spotted Bass

Tennessee River Basin

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

No Restrictions No Restrictions

No Restrictions No Restrictions

1 meal/week

Mercury

Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

White Perch No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Striped Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

No Restrictions

Goat Rock Lake

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/month PCBs, Mercury

White Bass

1 meal/month 1 meal/month

PCBs

Hybrid Bass

1 meal/week

1 meal/month

PCBs

Spotted Sucker

No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

1 meal/week 1 meal/month

PCBs

Lake Harding (Bartletts Ferry)

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week 1 meal/week PCBs, Mercury

Channel Catfish 1 meal/week 1 meal/week 1 meal/month

PCBs

Crappie

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass

1 meal/week

1 meal/month

PCBs

12

Lake Hartwell: Tugaloo Arm

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week 1 meal/month Mercury

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

Hybrid/Striped Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/month

Do Not Eat

PCBs

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/month

PCBs

Carp

1 meal/week Mercury

Lake Hartwell: Main Body, Georgia/South Carolina Listing Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month 1 meal/month

PCBs

Hybrid/Striped Bass

Do Not Eat

Do Not Eat

Do Not Eat

PCBs

Channel Catfish 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

PCBs

Information on Main Body ((M) Downlake of Andersonville Island) provided courtesy of the South Carolina DHEC (Ph.: 1-888-849-7241) to ensure consistency of guidance.

High Falls Lake

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

Jackson Lake

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

1 meal/week Mercury

1 meal/week

PCBs

13

Lake Juliette

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass * No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Bullhead species

No Restrictions

* Lake Juliette has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass

Lake Sydney Lanier

Species

Less than 12"

12" - 16"

Chattahoochee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Striped Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Spotted Bass *

1 meal/week *

Mercury

Largemouth Bass *

1 meal/week * 1 meal/week Mercury

White Catfish

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Carp

1 meal/week Mercury

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions

* Only Largemouth, Spotted and Shoal Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.

Lake Nottely Species
Largemouth Bass Striped Bass
Channel Catfish Black Crappie

Tennessee River Basin

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

1 meal/week 1 meal/week Mercury

1 meal/week Mercury

No Restrictions No Restrictions

No Restrictions

Lake Oconee

Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass * No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

White Catfish No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions

* Only Largemouth Bass under 11 inches, and 14 inches or longer may be legally retained.

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Lake Oliver Species
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish Hybrid Bass
Bluegill Sunfish Redear Sunfish

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "
1 meal/week
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chattahoochee River Basin

Over 16 " Chemical

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

1 meal/week

PCBs

Lake Rabun Species
Largemouth Bass White Catfish Bluegill Sunfish

Less than 12" 12" - 16 " No Restrictions
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin Over 16 " Chemical 1 meal/week Mercury 1 meal/week Mercury

Lake Richard B. Russell

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

White Perch No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Bullhead

No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin Over 16 " Chemical 1 meal/week Mercury

Lake Seminole

Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin (Apalachicola)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Bullhead

No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Mercury

Spotted Sucker No Restrictions No Restrictions

15

Lake Sinclair

Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions

Lake Tobesofkee

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Lake Tugalo

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month 1 meal/month Mercury

White Catfish

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Lake Varner (Cornish Creek Reservoir, Newton County) Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions

Lake Walter F. George (Eufaula)

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

*

No Restrictions

Hybrid Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

No Restrictions No Restrictions

* Only Largemouth Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.

16

West Point Lake

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Hybrid Bass No Restrictions 1 meal/week 1 meal/week

PCBs

Channel Catfish

1 meal/week 1 meal/week

PCBs

Carp

1 meal/week

PCBs

Black Crappie No Restrictions

* Only Largemouth Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.

Lake Worth (Lake Chehaw; Flint River Reservoir)

Flint River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Over 16 " Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week 1 meal/week Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

17

GEORGIA PUBLIC LAKES AND PONDS LESS THAN 500 ACRES
These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.

Lake Acworth

Coosa River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Mercury

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

City of Adairsville Pond

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Carp

No Restrictions

Coosa River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Albany By-Pass Pond

Species

Less than 12"

Largemouth Bass

Brown Bullhead

12" - 16" 1 meal/week 1 meal/week

Flint River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

1 meal/week DDE/DDD

DDE/DDD

Allen Creek Wildlife Management Area, Ponds A and B

Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Lake Bennett (Marben PFA, Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center) Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

1 meal/week* 1 meal/week

Mercury

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Big Lazer PFA (Gum Creek Impoundment)

Flint River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

18

Bowles C. Ford Lake, City of Savannah

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

White Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Brasstown Valley Kids Fishing Pond

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Tennessee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Bush Field Airport, Augusta: Unnamed Pond

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Mercury

Clayton County Water Authority: Blalock Reservoir

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Black Crappie No Restrictions

Clayton County Water Authority: J.W. Smith Reservoir

Flint River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Clayton County Water Authority: Shamrock Reservoir

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Dodge County PFA (Steve Bell Lake)

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12 - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

19

Evans County PFA

Ogeechee Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Fort Yargo State Park Lake (Marburg Cr. Watershed Proj.) Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Carp

No Restrictions

Ken Gardens Lake (Albany, Georgia)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions

Flint River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Little Ocmulgee State Park Lake (Gum Creek Swamp)) Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month Mercury

Brown Bullhead

1 meal/week

Mercury

Lake Mayer (City of Savannah)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Redear Sunfish No Restrictions

Speckled Bullhead

No Restrictions No Restrictions

McDuffie PFA (East Watershed Ponds)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Savannah River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

20

McDuffie PFA (West Watershed Ponds)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

1 meal/week * 1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Nancy Town Lake (Habersham County)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Lake Olmstead (Richmond County)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Paradise PFA (Horseshoe 4)

Species

Less than 12"

Channel Catfish

12" - 16"

Suwannee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

No Restrictions

Paradise PFA (Lake Patrick))

Suwannee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Brown Bullhead

No Restrictions No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Payton Park Pond, Valdosta

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Suwannee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Reed Bingham State Park Lake

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month

White Catfish

Suwannee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/month

Mercury

21

Lake Rutledge (Hard Labor Creek State Park)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Largemouth Bass

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions

Oconee River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Lake Seed Species
Bluegill Sunfish

Less than 12" No Restrictions

12" - 16"

Savannah River Basin

Over 16"

Chemical

Shepherd Lake (Marben PFA, Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center) Oconee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16"

Over 16"

Chemical

Largemouth Bass *

No Restrictions

*Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.

Stone Mountain Lake

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 " Over 16 "

Chemical

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week

Mercury

Catfish

No Restrictions No Restrictions

Treutlen County PFA (Sand Hill Lake)

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/month

Lake Chubsucker 1 meal/week 1 meal/month

Altamaha River Basin

Over 16 "

Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

Mercury

Tribble Mill Lake, Gwinnett County

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Largemouth Bass No Restrictions 1 meal/week

Black Crappie No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River Basin

Over 16 "

Chemical

Mercury

Yonah Lake

Species

Less than 12" 12" - 16 "

Largemouth Bass

1 meal/week

Catfish (mixed sp.)

1 meal/week

Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions

22

Savannah River Basin

Over 16 "

Chemical

Mercury

Mercury

GEORGIA FRESHWATER RIVERS AND CREEKS
Please note that the consumption guidelines for Georgia rivers are presented in a different format from the lake charts. Due to the flow of rivers, the site tested is important to the consumption guidelines. Consumption guidelines may vary from one stretch of river to another. The fish tested was the common creel size for the location and species. Freshwater rivers and creeks are tabulated first, followed by listings for Georgia tidal estuarine systems. These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.

Alapaha River (Tifton to Stockton)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S.Hwys. 82 to 84

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Suwannee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Alapaha River (Near State Line)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Near Statenville

Bullhead

See Above

Suwannee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/month

Mercury

Alapahoochee River (Near State Line)

Species

Site Tested

Bullhead

Echols County

Suwannee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

Alcovy River Species
Spotted Sucker Chain Pickerel

Site Tested Arrowhatchee Farms See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

23

Allatoona Creek, Cobb County

Species

Site Tested

Spotted Bass

Ga. Hwy. 176

Alabama Hog Sucker See Above

Coosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Altamaha River, Near Baxley and Near Jesup, Ga.

Altamaha River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 1

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Flathead Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwys 25/84

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Flathead Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Apalachee River Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish

Site Tested Apalachee Beach See Above

Oconee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Beaver Creek (Tributary to Patsiliga Creek)

Species

Site Tested

Yellow Bullhead

Taylor County

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

Boen Creek Species
Bluehead Chub

Site Tested Rabun County

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Brasstown Creek

Species

Site Tested

Northern Hog Sucker Towns County

Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Brier Creek (Burke County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 56

Spotted Sucker

See Above

24

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Broad River Species
Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish

Site Tested Ga. Hwy 17 See Above

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Buffalo Creek Species
Bluegill Sunfish

Site Tested Carroll County

Tallapoosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Butternut Creek Species
Hog Sucker

Site Tested Union County

Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Cane Creek (Wimpy's Air Field)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Lumpkin County

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Canoochee River (Hwy 192 to Lotts Cr.)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy. 280

Channel Catfish

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Ogeechee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Canoochee River (Lotts Cr. To Ogeechee River)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Below Canoochee Creek 1 meal/month (Taylor Creek)

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/month

Mercury

Casey Canal (Tributary to Hayners Cr. / Vernon River)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Eisenhower Dr.

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Striped Mullet

See Above

1 meal/week

Dieldrin

25

Chattahoochee River (Near Helen, and Above Lake Lanier)

Species

Site Tested

Redeye Bass

Ga. Hwy 75, Helen

Snail Bullhead

See Above

Golden Redhorse See Above

Largemouth Bass Belton Bridge Road

Channel Catfish

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin

Recommendation 1 meal/week 1 meal/week 1 meal/week 1 meal/month No Restrictions

Chemical Mercury Mercury Mercury Mercury

Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Multiple, Dam to Dam

Carp

See Above

Brown Trout

See Above

Rainbow Trout

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin

Recommendation 1 meal/week No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chemical Mercury

Chattahoochee River (Morgan Falls Dam to Peachtree Creek)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Below Morgan Falls

Carp

See Above

Brown Trout

See Above

Jumprock Sucker See Above

Chattahoochee River (Peachtree Creek to Franklin, Ga.)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Multiple Sites

Spotted Bass

See Above

Carp

See Above

Channel Catfish

See Above

Striped Bass

See Above

White Sucker

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin

Recommendation No Restrictions 1 meal/month No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chemical PCBs

Chattahoochee River Basin

Recommendation 1 meal/week No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/month No Restrictions

Chemical Mercury
PCBs

26

Chattahoochee River (West Point Dam to Interstate 85)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Below Dam

Spotted Bass

See Above

Flat Bullhead Catfish See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin

Recommendation No Restrictions 1 meal/week No Restrictions

Chemical Mercury

Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River Basin

(Oliver Dam to Oswichee Creek, Chattahoochee County)

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Below Eagle Phoenix No Restrictions Dam

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

PCBs

Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River Basin

(Chattahoochee County to Stewart County; Oswichee Creek to Omaha, Ga.)

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Oswichee Creek

No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Crappie

See Above

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Chattahoochee River (Early County)

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Hybrid Bass

Downstream of Plant No Restrictions Farley

Chattanooga Creek

Species

Site Tested

Bluegill Sunfish

Ga. Hwy 193

Northern Hog Sucker See Above

Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chattooga River (Northeast Georgia, Rabun County)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Northern Hog Sucker Hwy. 24

1 meal/week

Mercury

Silver Redhorse

Above Lake Tugalo

1 meal/week

Mercury

27

Chattooga River (Northwest Georgia)

Species

Site Tested

Bluegill Sunfish

Chattoogaville

Black Crappie

See Above

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chickamauga Creek (East and South)

Species

Site Tested

Rock Bass

Ga. Hwy 2

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chickamauga Creek (West)

Species

Site Tested

Spotted Bass

Ga. Hwy 2

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Tennessee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Chickasawhatchee Creek, WMA near Elmodel, Ga.

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Spotted Sucker

Wildlife Mgm't Area No Restrictions

Coleman River, Near Mouth, Rabun County

Species

Site Tested

Rainbow Trout

Near Tate City Rd.

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Conasauga River: Headwaters in Cohutta Nat'l Forest

Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Rainbow Trout

Upstream Rough Cr.

No Restrictions

Conasauga River: State Line - Hwy 286; Hwy 286 - Calhoun Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Spotted Bass

Ga. Hwy. 2

1 meal/week

Mercury

Smallmouth Buffalo

See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

White Bass

Old Tilton Bridge

1 meal/month

PCBs

Smallmouth Buffalo

See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

28

Coosa River (River Mile Zero to Hwy 100)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass River Mile 2, Rome

Spotted Bass

See Above

Striped Bass Blue Catfish Smallmouth Buffalo

See Above See Above See Above

Coosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

PCBs

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

1 meal/month

PCBs

1 meal/month

PCBs

Do Not Eat

PCBs

Coosa River (Hwy 100 to Stateline)

Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Smallmouth Buffalo Below Hwy 100 and at 1 meal/month Brushy Branch

PCBs

Largemouth Bass See Above

1 meal/week

PCBs

Striped Bass

See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs

Spotted Bass

See Above

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs

Daniels Creek (Dade County)

Tennessee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Bluegill Sunfish

Cloudland Canyon State No Restrictions Park

Dukes Creek (Near Helen)

Species

Site Tested

Rainbow Trout

Near Ga.Hwy. 75

Brown Trout

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Etowah River (Dawson County)

Species

Site Tested

Blacktail Redhorse Kelly Bridge Road

Coosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

Etowah River (Above Lake Allatoona, Cherokee County)

Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Spotted Bass

York Street

1 meal/week

Mercury

Golden Redhorse See Above

No Restrictions

29

Etowah River (Below Lake Allatoona, Bartow/Floyd Co.s)

Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Channel Catfish

U.S. Hwy. 411

No Restrictions

Largemouth Bass See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Striped Bass

See Above

No Restrictions

Spotted Bass

See Above

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Bluegill Sunfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Smallmouth Buffalo See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Flint River (Spalding/Fayette Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 92

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Flint River (Meriwether/Pike/Upson Counties)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Shoal Bass

Ga. Hwy. 18

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Flathead Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Flint River (Taylor County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy. 80

Channel Catfish

See Above

Shoal Bass

See Above

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

No Restrictions

Flint River (Above Lake Blackshear, Macon/Dooly Co.s)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Oglethorpe, Ga. Hwy 49 1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

30

Flint River (Below Lake Blackshear, Worth/Lee Co.s)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass No. Albany, Ga. Hwy 32 1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Flint River (Dougherty/Baker/Mitchell Counties)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Below Albany & Merck No Restrictions

Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Flathead Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Goldmine Branch (Tributary to Warwoman Cr.)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Brook Trout

Rabun County

No Restrictions

Gum Creek Species
Largemouth Bass Carp

Site Tested Crisp County See Above

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restriction

Ichawaynochaway Creek

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Cordays Millpond

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restriction

Jacks River (Fannin County)

Species

Site Tested

Brown Trout

Watson Gap

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Jones Creek (U.S. Forest Service Rd. 28-1)

Species

Site Tested

Brown Trout

Lumpkin County

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

31

Kinchafoonee Creek (Sumter/Lee Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwys 49 to 118

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Flint River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Little Dry Creek (Floyd County)

Species

Site Tested

Bluegill Sunfish

Near Rome

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Little River (Above & Below Rocky Cr., Wilkes Co.)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Above & Below Rocky 1 meal/week Creek

Mercury

Silver Redhorse

See Above

No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Little River (West of Valdosta, Lowndes County)

Suwannee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Above Ga. Hwy 133

1 meal/week

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Little Tallapoosa River

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy. 27

Black Crappie

See Above

Brown Bullhead

See Above

Tallapoosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Little Tennessee River (Rabun County)

Tennessee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Mixed Bass/Sunfish Above John Kelly Rd. No Restrictions

Mixed Sucker Spp. See Above

No Restrictions

Mixed Bass/Sunfish Species: Rock Bass, Redbreast and Green Sunfish Mixed Sucker Species: Black Redhorse, Striped Jumprock and Northern Hog Sucker

32

Middle Oconee River (Above & Below Athens)

Oconee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Redbreast Sunfish U.S. Hwy 29, (Above) No Restrictions

Spotted Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Silver Redhorse

Below Barber Creek

No Restrictions

Mill Creek (Whitfield County)

Species

Site Tested

Spotted Sucker

Near Dalton

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Moccasin Creek (Lake Burton Hatchery)

Species

Site Tested

Rainbow Trout

DNR Hatchery

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Muckalee Creek (Sumter/Lee Counties)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

McLittle Bridge Rd. To 1 meal/week Ga. Hwy 118

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Mud Creek, Near Powder Springs, Cobb County

Chattahoochee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Alabama Hog Sucker Ga. Hwy 360

No Restrictions

Bluegill Sunfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Nickajack Creek, Cobb County

Species

Site Tested

Alabama Hog Sucker Cooper Lake Road

Bluegill Sunfish

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Noonday Creek

Species

Site Tested

Alabama Hog Sucker Cobb County

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

33

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

North Oconee River (Above and Below Athens, Clarke Co.) Oconee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Redbreast Sunfish Newton Bridge Road No Restrictions

Redbreast Sunfish Whitehall Rd. (Below) No Restrictions

Flat Bullhead

See Above

No Restrictions

Ochlockonee River (Moultrie to Thomasville)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Above Thomasville

White Catfish

See Above

Ochlockonee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ochlockonee River (Thomasville to State Line)

Ochlockonee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 93

1 meal/month

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River (Butts/Monroe Counties)

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Below Lloyd Shoals No Restrictions Dam, Lake Jackson

Brown Bullhead

See Above

No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River (Bibb County)

Ocmulgee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

6 Miles Downstream of 1 meal/week Tobesofkee Creek

Mercury

Flathead Catfish

See Above

1 meal/month

PCBs,

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River (Houston/Twiggs Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Channel Catfish

Ga. Hwy. 96

Flathead Catfish

See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

34

Ocmulgee River (Pulaski County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Hawkinsville

Channel Catfish

See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River (Wilcox/Telfair Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 280

Flathead Catfish

See Above

Channel Catfish

See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Ocmulgee River (Telfair/Wheeler Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 341

Flathead Catfish

See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Oconee River (Clarke and Oconee Counties)

Oconee River Basin

Confluence of North and Middle Oconee to Barnett Shoals Dam

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Above Barnett Shoals 1 meal/week

Mercury

Silver Redhorse

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Oconee River (Oconee and GreeneCounties)

Barnett Shoals Dam to Lake Oconee

Species

Site Tested

Silver Redhorse

Ga. Hwy. 15

Channel Catfish

See Above

Common Carp

See Above

Oconee River Basin

Recommendation No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Chemical

Oconee River (Baldwin/Wilkinson Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Flathead Catfish

Milledgeville to Dublin

Largemouth Bass See Above

Channel Catfish

See Above

Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

35

Oconee River (Laurens County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass I-16

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Channel Catfish

See Above

Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Ogeechee River (Washington County; near Davisboro)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy 88

1 meal/month

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ogeechee River (Jefferson County; Louisville)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 1

Spotted Sucker

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Ogeechee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ogeechee River (Burke County; Midville)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 56

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Ogeechee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ogeechee River (Jenkins County; Millen)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 25

Snail Bullhead

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Ogeechee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ogeechee River (Bulloch County; near Statesboro)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 301

1 meal/month

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Snail Bullhead

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

Ga. Hwy. 24 (so. bridge) 1 meal/week

Mercury

36

Ogeechee River (Bryan County; near Ellabelle)

Ogeechee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy 204

1 meal/month

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ogeechee River (Near Ft. McAllister)

Species

Site Tested

Mullet

Fort McAllister

Ogeechee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Ohoopee River (Near Oak Park, Ga.)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass I-16

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Altamaha River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ohoopee River (Near Reidsville, Ga., Tattnall Co.)

Altamaha River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwys 280 to 56

1 meal/month

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Okefenokee Swamp (Stephen Foster State Park)

Suwannee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Bowfin

Billy's "Lake"

1 meal/month

Mercury

Flier (sunfish)

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Olley Creek, Near Austell, Cobb County

Species

Site Tested

Large Scale Stoneroller

Clay Road

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions

37

Oostanaula River (Floyd/Gordon Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Smallmouth Buffalo Ga. Hwy 156, Calhoun

Bluegill Sunfish Spotted Bass Bluegill Sunfish Largemouth Bass Striped Bass Smallmouth Buffalo Channel Catfish

See Above Ga. Hwy 140 See Above See Above See Above See Above See Above

Coosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

PCBs

1 meal/month

PCBs

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

PCBs

Patsiliga Creek (Upstream of Beaver Creek, Taylor Co.)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Spotted Sucker

From McCants Millpond No Restrictions

to Ga. Hwy 208

No Restrictions

Chain Pickerel

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Patsiliga Creek (Downstream of Beaver Creek)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Bass Spp. *

Taylor County

1 meal/month

Mercury

Sucker Spp. *

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

*Bass: Largemouth & Shoal; Suckers: Grayfin Redhorse, Spotted & Greater Jumprock

Pipe Makers Canal (Near Savannah, Georgia)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Chatham County

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

Ponder Branch (Walker County, Villanow)

Species

Site Tested

Redeye Bass

Ga. Hwy 136

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Proctor Creek, Near Acworth, Cobb County

Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Green Sunfish

Ga. Hwy 293, Old US 41 No Restrictions

38

Satilla River (Near Waycross, Ware/Brantley Co.s)

Satilla River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 84

1 meal/month

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Channel Catfish

U.S. Hwy 301

1 meal/week

Mercury

Satilla River (Folkston, Burnt Fort, Charlton/Camden Co.s) Satilla River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 252

1 meal/month

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/month

Mercury

Savannah River (Columbia County)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Above New Savannah 1 meal/week Bluff Lock & Dam

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Savannah River (Richmond/Burke Counties)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass

Downstream of New 1 meal/week Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam

Mercury

Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Specific fish consumption guidelines have not been issued for the radionuclides cesium137 and strontium-90, in the Savannah River (Burke & Screven Counties), adjacent to the Savannah River Site (SRS). The guidelines based on mercury were evaluated and deemed to be protective.

Savannah River (Screven County)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy 301

1 meal/week

Mercury

Redear Sunfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Channel Catfish

See Above

No Restrictions

Specific fish consumption guidelines have not been issued for the radionuclides cesium137 and strontium-90, in the Savannah River (Burke & Screven Counties), adjacent to the Savannah River Site (SRS). The guidelines based on mercury were evaluated and deemed to be protective.

39

Savannah River (Effingham County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy 119

Channel Catfish

See Above

Savannah River (Fort Howard)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Near Rincon

White Catfish

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Bowfin

See Above

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

No Restrictions

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

1 meal/month

Mercury

Savannah River (Chatham County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy. 17

Channel Catfish

See Above

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

No Restrictions

Savannah River (Tidal Gate)

Species

Site Tested

Red Drum

Tidal Gate

White Catfish

See Above

Savannah River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

Mercury

Sewell Mill Creek, Cobb County

Species

Site Tested

Alabama Hog Sucker Ga. Hwy 120

Bluegill Sunfish

See Above

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

Short Creek (Warren County)

Species

Site Tested

Sunfish

Warren County

Ogeechee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

Slab Camp Creek (Oconee County)

Species

Site Tested

Greater Jumprock Watson Spring Road

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

40

Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions

South River (Henry County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Snapping Shoals

Silver Redhorse

See Above

Channel Catfish

Below Snapping Shoals

Ocmulgee River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

PCBs

No Restrictions

No Restrictions

South River (Butts County)

Species

Site Tested

Black Crappie

Ga. Hwy. 36

Largemouth Bass See Above

Channel Catfish

See Above

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions

Spirit Creek Species
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Sucker Redear Sunfish

Savannah River Basin

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Above Richmond Factory No Restrictions Pond

See Above

No Restrictions

See Above

No Restrictions

Spring Creek (Seminole/Decatur/Miller Counties)

Flint River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwy. 84

1 meal/week

Mercury

Spotted Sucker

See Above

No Restrictions

Stamp Creek (Cherokee County)

Species

Site Tested

Rainbow Trout

Pine Log WMA

Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Stekoa Creek Species
Striped Jumprock

Site Tested Rabun County

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

41

St. Marys River (Charlton County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass Near St. George

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

St. Marys River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

No Restrictions

St. Marys River (Camden County)

Species

Site Tested

Largemouth Bass U.S. Hwy. 17

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

Striped Mullet

See Above

St. Marys River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/month

Mercury

No Restrictions

No Restrictions

Suwannee River (Off Ga. Hwy. 177, Clinch/Ware Co.s)

Suwannee River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Largemouth Bass Short Camp Road

1 meal/month

Mercury

Bullhead Catfish

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Chain Pickerel

See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Swamp Creek (Whitfield County)

Species

Site Tested

Redeye Bass

Redwine Cove Road

Coosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

1 meal/week

Mercury

Talking Rock Creek (Downtown Talking Rock, Pickens Co.) Coosa River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Redeye Bass

Near Fire Department 1 meal/week

Mercury

Tallapoosa River Species
Blacktail Redhorse Bluegill Sunfish Blacktail Redhorse

Site Tested U.S. Hwy. 27 See Above Ga. Hwy. 100

Tallapoosa River Basin

Recommendation Chemical

No Restrictions

No Restrictions

1 meal/week

Mercury

Tallulah River, Towns County

Species

Site Tested

Rainbow Trout

Charlies Creek Road

Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

42

Tributary to Hudson River (Alto, Ga., Banks County)

Savannah River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Redeye Bass

Below Alto Prison

1 meal/week

Mercury

Brown Bullhead

See Above

No Restrictions

Upatoi Creek Species
Grayfin Redhorse

Site Tested Above Mouth

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Withlacoochee River

Suwannee River Basin

(Hahira to State Line, Berrien/Lowndes Counties)

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Redbreast Sunfish Ga. Hwy 122

1 meal/week

Mercury

Largemouth Bass Near Clyattville

1 meal/month

Mercury

Redbreast Sunfish See Above

1 meal/week

Mercury

Yahoola Creek (Consolidated Goldmine)

Species

Site Tested

Alabama Hog Sucker Lumpkin County

Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

Yellow River

Species

Site Tested

Flat Bullhead Catfish Porterdale Dam

Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions

43

GEORGIA ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
Estuaries and freshwaters in Georgia are included in the watersheds of 14 different river basins, using the United States Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC), cataloging system. Estuarine systems often communicate with adjoining basins due to natural interconnections and manmade structures and actions such as causeways, tidal gates and dredging. Terry Creek, Dupree Creek, the Back River, Academy Creek and the lower Brunswick River are technically in the Satilla River Basin, but because of tidal dynamics, water exchange occurs between them and the Altamaha River system. These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.

Turtle River System:

Satilla River Basin

Purvis and Gibson Creeks , (St. Simons Estuary)

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Blue Crab, Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and other seafood

Purvis & Gibson Creeks Do Not Eat

PCBs, Mercury

Upper Turtle & Buffalo Rivers (St. Simons Estuary)

Satilla River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Shrimp Blue Crab

Turtle and Buffalo Rivers, No Restrictions

Upriver of Georgia Hwy 303

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Flounder

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Red Drum

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Croaker

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Spotted Seatrout

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Black Drum

Do Not Eat

PCBs, Mercury

Clams, Oysters

Mussels,

Do Not Eat

Shellfish Ban *

* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program

44

Middle Turtle River (St. Simons Estuary)

Satilla River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Shrimp Flounder

State Hwy 303 to Channel No Restrictions

Marker 9

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Black Drum

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Red Drum

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Spotted Seatrout

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Croaker

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Blue Crab

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Clams, Oysters

Mussels,

Do Not Eat

Shellfish Ban *

* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program

Lower Turtle & South Brunswick Rivers (St. Simons Estuary) Satilla River Basin

Species

Site Tested

Recommendation Chemical

Shrimp Red Drum Flounder Blue Crab

Turtle River (From No Restrictions

Channel Marker 9) and South Brunswick River

No Restrictions

(Downstream

to No Restrictions

Dubignon and Parsons 1 meal/week Creeks)

PCBs, Mercury

Croaker

1 meal/week

PCBs, Mercury

Black Drum

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Spotted Seatrout

1 meal/month

PCBs, Mercury

Clams, Oysters

Mussels,

Do Not Eat

Shellfish Ban *

* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program

45

SPECIAL LISTINGS

Terry & Dupree Creeks & Back River to St. Simons Sound

(St. Simons Estuary)

Satilla River Basin

Location

Species

Recommendation Chemical

Terry Creek South of Torras Causeway to Lanier Basin

Silver Perch (Yellowtail)
Blue Crab, Shrimp, Spot, Striped Mullet, Atlantic Croaker, Southern Kingfish (e.g. Ga. whiting), Spotted Seatrout

1 meal/week No Restrictions

PCBs, Mercury

Terry & Dupree Creeks North of Torras Causeway to Confluence with Back River

Blue Crab, Shrimp
Striped Mullet, Atlantic Croaker, Southern Kingfish, Spotted Seatrout
Spot

No Restrictions 1 meal/month
Do Not Eat

Toxaphene and related compounds

Back River 1 mi. above Terry Cr. to Confluence w/ Torras Causeway

Blue Crab, Shrimp, Striped Mullet, Atlantic Croaker, Southern Kingfish , Spotted Seatrout

No Restrictions

Spot

1 meal/month

Toxaphene

and related

compounds

Back River From Causeway to St. Simons Sound

Blue Crab, Shrimp, Spot, Striped Mullet, Atlantic Croaker, Southern Kingfish, Spotted Seatrout

No Restrictions

Do Not Eat Clams, Mussels or Oysters; Shellfish Ban, Nat'l Shellfish Sanitation Prog.

Academy Creek Species Blue Crab

Site Tested Academy Creek

Recommendations No Restrictions

Satilla River Basin Chemical

Floyd Creek (to St. Andrews Sound)

Species

Site Tested

Blue Crab

Floyd Creek, So.

Southern Kingfish of Floyd Basin

Recommendations No Restrictions No Restrictions

Satilla River Basin Chemical

46

SPECIAL MERCURY GUIDANCE ON KING MACKEREL
On March 23, 2000, Georgia joined together with North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida in issuing a joint health advisory for the consumption of large king mackerel caught offshore in the South Atlantic Ocean that have been found to have high mercury concentrations. This advisory was issued to provide guidance on the safe consumption of king mackerel to the general public and sensitive populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. It does not prevent fishermen from landing fish larger than 39 inches.
Georgia DNR officials began working with the other Southeast States to determine levels of mercury in king mackerel in 1998 after learning that Gulf Coast States initiated a similar program. Each State's findings documented consistent levels of mercury over a range of sizes with high levels found in large king mackerel. This is Georgia's first consumption advisory for ocean waters. The king mackerel is a migratory species with the Atlantic population ranging from South Florida through North Carolina and into the Mid-Atlantic.

King Mackerel: Atlantic Ocean Offshore Georgia Coast

Atlantic Ocean

Size Range (Fork Length = FL) Recommendation

24 to Less than 33 inches

No Restrictions

33 to 39 inches (a 33 inch fish weighs 1 meal per month ** for pregnant women, nursing

approximately 10 pounds)

mothers and children age 12 and younger

1 meal per week ** for other adults

Over 39 inches (approximately 15 to Do Not Eat 17 pounds)

King Mackerel are measured in Fork Length (FL), which is from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. The minimum legal size in Georgia is 24 inches FL, with a maximum daily creel limit of 3 fish per person. Federally permitted commercial fishermen are limited to 3500 pounds per trip, and a minimum size of 24 inches FL. ** One meal portion in this special guidance is 8 ounces or 1/2 pound.

King mackerel spawn along the continental shelf of the Atlantic Coast, rapidly growing to approximately 20 inches in length in the first year. Their diet consists almost exclusively of other fish. King mackerel typically have a maximum life span of 15 years, reaching approximately 4 feet in length and 25 to 30 pounds in weight. Most fish landed are considerably smaller. As a fast-growing, long-lived top predator, the king mackerel has a propensity for accumulating high levels of mercury.

47

Index

A
Academy Creek, 46 Adairsville, City of, Pond, 18 Alapaha River, 23 Alapahoochee River, 23 Albany By-Pass Pond, 18 Alcovy River, 23 Allatoona Creek, 24 Allen Creek Wildlife Management
Area, Ponds A and B, 18 Altamaha River, 24 Apalachee River, 24 Atlantic Ocean, 47
B
Back River, 46 Banks Lake, 10 Bartletts Ferry, 12 Beaver Creek, 24 Big Haynes Reservoir, 11 Big Lazer PFA, 18 Black Shoals Lake, 11 Boen Creek, 24 Bowles C. Ford Lake, 19 Brasstown Creek, 24 Brasstown Valley Kids Fishing Pond,
19 Brier Creek, 24 Broad River, 25 Buffalo Creek, 25 Buffalo River, 44 Bush Field Airport,, 19 Butternut Creek, 25
C
Cane Creek, 25 Canoochee River (Hwy 192 to Lotts
Cr.), 25 Canoochee River (Lotts Cr. To
Ogeechee River), 25

Carters Lake, 11 Casey Canal, 25 Chattahoochee River, 26, 27 Chattanooga Creek, 27 Chattooga River, NE Georgia, 27 Chattooga River, NW Georgia, 28 Chickamauga Creek (East & South),
28 Chickamauga Creek (West), 28 Chickasawhatchee Creek,, 28 Clarks Hill Lake, 12 Clayton County Water Authority:
Blalock Reservoir, 19 Clayton County Water Authority:
J.W. Smith Reservoir, 19 Clayton County Water Authority:
Shamrock Reservoir, 19 Coleman River, 28 Conasauga River, 28 Coosa River, 29 Cornish Creek Reservoir, 16
D
Daniels Creek, 29 Dodge County PFA (Steve Bell Lake),
19 Dukes Creek, 29 Dupree Creek, 46
E
Etowah River, 29, 30 Etowah River, 29 Evans County PFA, 20
F
Flint River, 30, 31 Flint River Reservoir, 17 Floyd Creek, 46 Fort Yargo State Park Lake, 20

G
Gibson Creek, 44 Goat Rock Lake, 12 Goldmine Branch, 31 Gum Creek, 31
H
Hard Labor Cr. State Park, 22 High Falls Lake, 13 Horseshoe 4, Paradise PFA, 21
I
Ichawaynochaway Creek, 31
J
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, 12 Jacks River, 31 Jackson Lake, 13 Jones Creek, 31
K
Ken Gardens Lake, 20 Kinchafoonee Creek, 32 King Mackerel, 47
L
Lake Acworth, 18 Lake Allatoona, 10 Lake Andrews, 10 Lake Bennett, 18 Lake Blackshear, 11 Lake Blue Ridge, 11 Lake Burton, 11 Lake Chatuge, 12 Lake Chehaw, 17 Lake Eufaula, 16 Lake Harding, 12 Lake Hartwell: Main Body, 13 Lake Hartwell: Tugaloo Arm, 13 Lake Juliette, 14 Lake Mayer, 20 Lake Nottely, 14

Lake Oconee, 14 Lake Oliver, 15 Lake Olmstead, 21 Lake Patrick, Paradise PFA, 21 Lake Rabun, 15 Lake Richard B. Russell, 15 Lake Rutledge, 22 Lake Seed, 22 Lake Seminole, 15 Lake Sinclair, 16 Lake Sydney Lanier, 14 Lake Tobesofkee, 16 Lake Tugalo, 16 Lake Varner, 16 Lake Walter F. George, 16 Lake Worth, 17 Lake Yonah, 22 Little Dry Creek, 32 Little Ocmulgee State Park Lake, 20 Little River, Lowndes Co., 32 Little River, Wilkes Co., 32 Little Tennessee River, 32
M
Marben PFA, Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center, 22
Marben PFA, Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center, 18
McDuffie PFA, 20, 21 Middle Oconee River, 33 Mill Creek, 33 Moccasin Creek, 33 Muckalee Creek, 33 Mud Creek, 33
N
Nancy Town Lake, 21 Nickajack Creek, 33 Noonday Creek, 33 North Oconee River, 34
O
Ochlockonee River, 34 Ocmulgee River, 34, 35
49

Oconee River, 35, 36 Offshore Georgia Coast, 47 Ogeechee River, 36, 37 Ohoopee River, 37 Okefenokee Swamp, 37 Olley Creek, 37 Oostanaula River, 38
P
Paradise PFA, 21 Patsiliga Creek, 38 Payton Park Pond, Valdosta, 21 Pipe Makers Canal, 38 Ponder Branch, 38 Proctor Creek, 38 Purvis Creek, 44
R
Reed Bingham State Pk. Lake, 21
S
Sand Hill Lake, 22 Satilla River, 39 Savannah River, 39, 40 Sewell Mill Creek, 40 Shepherd Lake, 22 Short Creek, 40 Slab Camp Creek, 40 South Brunswick River, 45 South River, 41 Spirit Creek, 41 Spring Creek, 41

St. Marys River, 42 Stamp Creek, 41 Stekoa Creek, 41 Stone Mountain Lake, 22 Suwannee River, 42 Swamp Creek, 42
T
Talking Rock Creek, 42 Tallapoosa River, 42 Tallulah River, 42 Terry Creek, 46 Treutlen County PFA, 22 Tribble Mill Lake, 22 Tributary to Hudson River, 43 Turtle River System, 44 Turtle River, Lower, 45 Turtle River, Middle, 45 Turtle River, Upper, 44
U
Upatoi Creek, 43
W
West Point Lake, 17 Withlacoochee River, 43
Y
Yahoola Creek, 43 Yellow River, 43

51