Advisory for Fish that Migrate
American Shad, Chinook (King) Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Striped Bass, and White Sturgeon caught in California rivers, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters
These fish (called "anadromous") travel up rivers from the sea to spawn. That is why you might catch them in different places – rivers, ocean, or estuaries. This advice applies to these species caught in any of these water bodies, but NOT in lakes or reservoirs.
Advisory based on mercury and PCBs. (For information on biotoxins and harmful algal blooms that may be found in California water bodies, see below.)
Posters should not be modified. Please contact us at fish@oehha.ca.gov regarding alternative poster formats.
Waterbody
Women 18-49 Years and Children 1-17 Years
2 servings a week
DO NOT EAT
Women 50 Years and Older and Men 18 Years and Older
7 servings a week
OR
5 servings a week
OR
1 serving a week
What is a serving?
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The recommended serving of fish is about the size and thickness of your hand. Give children smaller servings. For smaller fish species, several individual fish may be required to yield a serving.
Preparing and Cooking Fish
- For fish, eat only the skinless fillet.
- For shellfish, eat only the meat.
- Some chemicals are higher in the skin, fat, and guts.
- Remove and throw away the skin before cooking.
- Cook thoroughly and allow the juices to drain away.
= Fish that are high in omega-3s and you can eat them at least once a week.
Eating fish with omega-3s can lower heart disease in adults and help babies’ brains to develop.
Resources related to Biotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms
Estuaries can have a mix of both freshwater and marine biotoxins from harmful algal blooms. For freshwater biotoxins, OEHHA recommends that you check the California harmful algal bloom (HAB) portal to see if a bloom has been reported at this water body and learn healthy water habits to protect yourself, your family, and your pets during your visit. For marine biotoxins, check California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Health Advisories for Finfish, Shellfish, and Crustaceans, or call California Department of Public Health’s Shellfish Biotoxin Information Line (800-553-4133) for current advisories and closures.
Fish Advisory Map
View maps of current statewide and site-specific advisories
Fish, Ecotoxicology and Water Section
Sacramento Office
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 423-7572
fish@oehha.ca.gov