Sacramento River and Northern Delta
Advisory based on mercury, PBDEs, or PCBs.
This advisory is for the Sacramento River from just below Shasta Lake to where it joins the San Joaquin River in Pittsburg, and for creeks, sloughs, and other water bodies in the Delta north of Highway 12. The Sacramento River and Northern Delta posters and supporting documents were revised in November 2022 to include the updated advice for American Shad, Chinook (King) Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Striped Bass, and White Sturgeon, based on the Advisory for Fish that Migrate.
NOTE: Crayfish advice was removed while OEHHA evaluates other contaminants in this species that may affect advice.
Biotoxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) may be found in California water bodies, see Resources related to Biotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms for more information.
Waterbody
Women 18-49 Years and Children 1-17 Years
5 servings a week
OR
3 servings a week
OR
2-3 servings a week
OR
1 serving 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
4 servings a week
OR
2 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 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.
= 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, Incident Response, Seafood Safety, and Harmful Algal Bloom Section
Sacramento Office
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 423-7572
Fish@oehha.ca.gov