Fishing & Health

Not all fish you catch are safe to eat. Check the advisories!

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. In Alameda County, you’ll find many excellent places to cast a line, from lakes and reservoirs to piers and shoreline spots.

Fish is also an important part of a healthy diet, providing a lean source of protein, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids—known to lower the risk of heart disease. However, not all fish are safe to eat, as some contain elevated levels of contaminants. For example, surfperches caught in San Francisco Bay are high in mercury and poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in unborn babies, infants and children.

If you’re planning to eat your catch, be sure to check the fish advisories issued regularly by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and limit your fish consumption to the recommended types and amounts of fish.

Current Fish Consumption Advisories

San Francisco Bay Shoreline
Inland Alameda County and elsewhere in California
(search by location)

For more information about OEHHA’s fish advisories click here.

Fred and Izzy remind you to check for Fishing Health Advisories before you eat your catch!