San Francisco Bay
Advisory based on mercury or PCBs.
No one should eat fish or shellfish from Lauritzen Channel in Richmond Inner Harbor.
For American Shad, Chinook (King) Salmon, Striped Bass, and White Sturgeon caught from San Francisco Bay, please refer to the updated Advisory for Fish that Migrate. NOTE: Red Rock Crab 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
Women 50 Years and Older and Men 18 Years and Older
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.
= 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, Ecotoxicology and Water Section
Sacramento Office
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 423-7572
fish@oehha.ca.gov