Main Speaker: 

The FDA recommends fish as an important part of a healthy diet, but some fish from the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta may contain toxins that are harmful to people. 

Contaminant levels within the same species can vary widely depending on location. 

Every fishing site in the county follows state guidelines or has site-specific advisories so that you can make healthy choices about eating the fish you catch.

The Contra Costa Clean Water Program is here to help you understand how you can safely eat fish caught from the Bay and Delta. 

Throughout Contra Costa County, there are many popular fishing piers and harbors that attract thousands of anglers every year. 

Fish is packed with omega-3s, which may reduce your risk for heart disease and provide nutrients for brain function and development throughout all stages of life.

What is the concern?

Some fish found in Contra Costa County, the San Francisco Bay, and the Delta contain toxins such as Mercury and Polychlorinated Biphenyls or PCBs. To learn what kinds of fish you should release, consult the California Office of Environmental Hazard Assessment, OEHHA guidelines. 

Mike Moran (Regional Interpretive and Recreation Service Manager | EBRPD): 

And they’re the ones who put together these great posters. And the best part about it is that they’re really easy to understand and they come in a lot of different languages. 

Nichole Gange (Naturalist | Big Break Visitor Center):

They should also be checking the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website to see if there’s any guidance on whether they should be releasing those fish as well. 

Main Speaker: 

Mercury and PCBs are chemicals which were used or produced by industries around the Bay.

These toxins build up in the bodies of smaller fish, which get eaten by bigger fish. Those bigger fish then get eaten by even bigger fish, and so on up the food chain. 

Bioaccumulation

Very large fish and older fish often end up with higher amounts of mercury and PCBs in their bodies through this process, which is called bioaccumulation.

Because fish like striped bass and white sturgeon can bioaccumulate large amounts of mercury and PCBs, the OEHHA recommends people avoid or limit how much of these fish they eat. 

Eating fish with higher levels of PCBs and mercury might cause cancer. Mercury can negatively affect how the brain develops in unborn babies and children. It is especially important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to follow OEHHA guidelines. 

Fish consumption recommendations vary for men and women and by age group. Some fish that can be safely consumed two times a week include American shad, catfish, crayfish, steelhead trout, and sunfish species.

To avoid higher levels of mercury and PCBs, eat smaller fish. Consider catch and release for large fish. 

Patrick (Local Fisherman):

Easily, I try to throw back as much as I can because I hate to catch too much and waste it.

Main Speaker: 

The bottom line is…

Mike Moran (Regional Interpretive and Recreation Service Manager | EBRPD): 

Fishing is fun, it’s great, eat the fish, do it safely, do it in moderation. 

Main Speaker: 

How to prepare fish safely

The way you prepare fish can also impact how safe it is to eat. To cook the fish you catch safely, make sure you clean it properly. Fish cleaning stations are available at many fishing sites around the county. Grill, broil, steam, or bake the fish thoroughly and allow the juices to drain away. Avoid eating the skin.

Some chemicals are concentrated in the skin and fat, so preparing your fish this way can reduce the amount of toxins in your cooked fish. 

Fishing in the bay and delta can be a safe and fun outing for everyone. 

Just remember to check out the OEHHA guidelines when deciding which fish to keep for dinner and which to release.

For more information on safely fishing in Contra Costa County, visit our website www.cccleanwater.org slash community slash fishing.