Published: January 08, 2009 10:09 pm      

Summersville Lake fish advisory issued

Consumption limit urged for some species

Consumption advisories were issued Tuesday for black bass, walleye and flathead catfish caught at Summersville Lake because of mercury concerns, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ updated West Virginia Sport Fish Consumption Advisory for 2009.

The advisories recommend limiting consumption of all sizes of black bass and flathead catfish caught at Summersville Lake to one meal a month. Walleye consumption should be limited to six meals per year.

Walleye caught elsewhere, along with sauger and black bass larger than 12 inches, should be limited to two meals per month.

The 2009 advisory is the result of reviewing recent fish tissue data and re-analysis of historical data. Improved data analysis methodology to isolate fish from specific water known to have higher concentrations of contaminants have resulted in less restrictive statewide advisories in some species and additional stricter advisories for specific waters.

A previous statewide advisory that recommended limiting brown trout to two meals per month was reduced to one meal per week.

The DHHR partners with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Natural Resources to develop consumption advisories for fish caught in West Virginia.

Fish consumption advisories are updated each year to help West Virginia anglers and their families make educated choices about eating the fish they catch.

State health officials said women of childbearing age, children and people who regularly eat fish are particularly susceptible to contaminants that build up over time. Individuals falling into one of those categories should be especially careful to follow the guidelines.

The advisory covers only sport fish caught in West Virginia waters. Safety regulations and advisories for fish in the marketplace are the responsibility of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For more information, you can contact the FDA at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html or www.wvdhhr.org/fish/.

— Fred Pace