Choose Fish and Shellfish Wisely

Federal Advice on Mercury in Fish and Shellfish

The EPA and the Food and Drug Administration jointly issued advice for females who are or might become pregnant, are breastfeeding, and children.

Understand the advice
Advisories Where You Live

States, territories and Tribes issue advisories to protect people from potentially contaminated fish and shellfish caught in local waters.
Learn more about fish advisories
Eat Fish and Shellfish in a Healthy Way

Discover how to avoid foodborne bacterial illness, select and serve seafood safely, and choose healthy parts and amounts to eat.

Eat fish in a healthy way
Fish Contamination Studies

The EPA and partners collect and analyze fish tissue for contaminants in rivers, streams and lakes, including the Great Lakes.

Explore studies

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet.

However, some fish and shellfish may contain chemicals, bacteria and/or viruses that could pose health risks to people. This can impact how to safely eat fish, in what amounts and how often. Learn who should be concerned about eating fish and shellfish, how to stay healthy by choosing and eating fish wisely, if there are fish advisories near you, and what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found through scientific studies on fish.

Should I Be Concerned about Eating Fish and Shellfish?

Learn who is at risk from eating contaminated fish and shellfish.

Learn who is vulnerable
EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish

Make informed choices about eating fish that are safe and nutritious.

Understand the advice
Eat Fish and Shellfish in a Healthy Way

Discover how to avoid foodborne bacterial illness, select and serve seafood safely, and choose healthy parts and amounts to eat.

Eat fish in a healthy way
How Do I Know if a Fish I Caught is Contaminated?

Learn more about contaminants in fish, and find fish and shellfish advisories.

Find fish advisory info
What the EPA Does to Protect You from Eating Contaminated Fish and Shellfish

Discover how the EPA takes action to protect you from eating contaminated fish and shellfish.

Learn what we do
Technical Resources and Studies

Studies, data and guidance for states, territories and Tribes.

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