Louisiana Updates Mercury Warnings For Fish In 11 Bodies Of Water

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, has issued updated fish consumption advisories for 11 bodies of water across the state due to the detection of unacceptable levels of mercury in fish and shellfish samples.

The updated advisories affect Bayou Dorcheat, Black Bayou Lake, Black Lake and Clear Lake, Caddo Lake, Corney Lake, Grand Bayou Reservoir, Ivan Lake, Kepler Creek Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, and Vernon Lake. Additionally, a new advisory has been issued for Lake Maurepas.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality collected the fish samples, which were then analyzed by LDH to determine the need for new advisories or changes to existing ones.

LDH estimates that the average Louisiana resident consumes four half-pound meals of fish per month. The advisories are designed to help residents make informed decisions about their fish consumption habits and minimize potential health risks associated with mercury contamination.

With the latest updates, Louisiana now has fish consumption advisories in place for 51 waterways throughout the state, as well as one for the Gulf of Mexico. Residents can access more information about the Health and Fish Consumption Advisories Program, including advisories related to mercury and other chemicals, on the LDH website.