Consuming Striped Bass and Mercury/Contaminant Levels...???

[ITO_ZILLION]

I LOVE eating Striped Bass and usually don't give a d**n when it comes to mercury and contaminants since I love the taste so much and since its the ONLY freshwater species I like to eat. But lately I have been very concerned about contaminants and mercury levels. 

 

Some questions/concerns:

 

1. Does Striped Bass have high levels of mercury/contaminants...?

 

I would think so since they are usually the #1 predator at the TOP of the food chain in a freshwater lake/reservoir. Also...They are very 'voracious' predators/feeders and will even cannibalize their own young therefore increasing the likely hood of accumulating more contaminants/mercury. 

 

2.  Will the larger ones have more contaminants/mercury compared to the smaller ones...? If so...If I limit my keepers to small ones and let go the big ones...I can therefore lessen the amount of mercury/contaminants I eat...right...? 

 

3. Is the level of mercury/contaminants in Striped Bass specific to certain regions/areas...? For example...Would Striped Bass in a reservoir/lake contain more contaminants/mercury compared to Striped Bass that are in the 'open ocean'...? 

 

Any other tips/advice/experiences would be appreciated.

[J Francho]

Your state's DNR should have this information.

[Russ E]

Every state I have fished, suggests not eating the larger predators because of mercury levels.

That usually includes bass, catfish, and the stiper/white bass family.  Fish that live a long time usually have the highest levels.

I personally have never heard of anyone having health problems from eating fish.

I have eaten plenty of large catfish in my life and don't know of any I'll effects.

Now I only eat the smaller fish. Not  because of mercury, more for conservation of larger fish.

As @J Francho stated your local dnr knows more than anyone else on the subject

[TnRiver46]

#1: yes, especially where I live. It varies with each body of water but as a top predator they bioaccumulate the most PCBs and mercury. 
 

#2: yes this true with most if not all fish contaminants. Once again, this stuff accumulates and is always at highest concentrations in top predators

 

#3: yes it varies, like @J Franchosaid, check your local water quality. Where is it that you fish? 
 

also I should ask how old are you? Older humans build up the contaminants  just like the fish. At age 25 you might want to limit yourself to one or two a month. If you’re 75 go hog wild. 

[DanielG]

Contaminants are usually metals. They collect in predator fish as they go through a lifetime of eating other fish. They never leave their system. As we eat the contaminated fish the metals build up in our systems. They eventually begin affecting our neurons. Japan is a good example. They eat a lot of contaminated fish. Some seaside villages have people who have memory and clear thinking issues. In it's later stages it affects their muscle movements.

No one around here will notice any issues directly, but as it builds up in our systems subtle changes in our thinking, memory, and motor functions, like balance, are present.

 

Sort of like kids who've eaten lead paint on old houses. Is their IQ that way because of the paint of is it just their natural IQ?

 

Here in Maine it's recommended no more than one meal of locally caught fresh water fish a month for most instances, and pregnant women should abstain. Personally, I don't eat them. Catch and release. Besides, I'm hooked on Gulf of Maine haddock. Nothing else really cuts it for me.

From the Maine.gov website:

Warning: Mercury in Maine freshwater fish may harm the babies of pregnant and nursing mothers, and young children.

Safe Eating Guidelines

Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under age 8 SHOULD NOT EAT any freshwater fish from Maine's inland waters. Except, for brook trout and landlocked salmon, 1 meal per month is safe. 

All other adults and children older than 8 CAN EAT 2 freshwater fish meals per month. For brook trout and landlocked salmon, the limit is 1 meal per week.

 

I used to be a science teacher... Don't get me going.... you'll regret it. Ask my wife, she lives with this. ?

[soflabasser]

A lot of predatory fish are high in methylmercury and other chemicals. It is best to research what fish are safe to eat in your area and avoid eating fish that are not deemed safe. Some fish are ok to eat in small portions and you should do your best to not eat more than the recommended amount of those fish.

[Dwight Hottle]

Fish accumulate contaminates over time. So the younger smaller fish will be the safest for consumption. They will also taste the best, less strong taste. You can further reduce your exposure by cutting out all belly meat & just eat the shoulders. Contaminates collect in the belly area. 

[Wacked worm]

Theres a guy on YouTube EliasV fishing I think his name is, consumes a ton of fish. People started questioning his health after the amount of fish he consumes so he got tested. 

His mercury levels were well within normal range. Take it for what its worth. . .