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Lake Merced

Advisory based on mercury and PCBs.

Lake Merced is comprised of two adjacent, discrete waterbodies (referred to as “North Lake” and “South Lake”). Because fish evaluated for this advisory were collected only from the north lake, this advisory applies only to North Lake.

Because of the possibility that catfish in the south lake have similarly elevated PCB concentrations as in North Lake, OEHHA recommends against consuming catfish from either lake.  For other species in the south lake as well as species not evaluated from North Lake, please follow OEHHA’s statewide advisory for lakes and reservoirs without site-specific advice.

For information relating to biotoxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) that may be found in California water bodies, see below.

Waterbody

Lake Merced

County: 
San Francisco

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Women 18-49 Years and Children 1-17 Years

7 servings a week
DO NOT EAT

Women 50 Years and Older and Men 18 Years and Older

7 servings a week
Or
1 servings a week
DO NOT EAT

What is a serving?

What is a Serving?

The recommended serving of fish is about the size and thickness of your hand. Give children smaller servings. For small fish species, several individual fish may make up a single 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.

 

heart healthy  =  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

Harmful algal blooms are increasing in California and may occur throughout the year in some water bodies. 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.