State places caveat on fish consumption

Alaska women of childbearing age and small children should limit their consumption of a few fish types -- large halibut, shark, large lingcod, yelloweye rockfish and spiny dogfish -- due to their mercury levels, state officials said this morning.

The state changed its advice due to mercury contamination reported in February in species that hadn't been tested before, and in larger-sized specimens of previously-tested species.

The state also today unveiled a "fish diet calculator" to help families to keep track of how much fish from the risky group they can eat per week, or per month, to minimize the health risk.

Recent scientific studies show mercury can harm children's brain development.

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Latest Industry News

•   Britain Makes the Switch to Sustainable Species
•   Council Supports Local Oyster Industry
•   EU Approves Block Exemption for State Aid
•   500 Marine Protected Areas Established in Philippines
•   Parliament Passes Fisheries Bill
•   Scottish Fishermenn Maintain Pressure over Fuel
•   Update on Ganglioneuritis Virus in Abalone
•   Lack of Fish Farming Policy Force Prices Down
•   Governor Impressed by Seafood Industry
•   New Zealand Fast Forward Bold Step Forward