Mercury Levels in Fish Shocking

The latest study by the U.S. Geological Survey which looked at over 300 of the Nations streams between 1998 – 2005 found that nearly 100% of the fish were contaminated with some levels of mercury, and about 35% had levels higher than the recommended limits by the EPA.  The source of the mercury is believed to be a byproduct of coal based refineries as well as mining and other operations which deposit large amounts of mercury into the water supplies which is then converted to methylmercury by the environment which is absorbed into fish and shellfish.

We all know that fish is extremely healthy but with the mercury levels rising in fish we need to make sure that we consume fish that are the safest when it comes to mercury levels, and it is important to arm yourself with the knowledge of the safer fish to eat if you are worried about mercury.

Fish with lowest levels of mercury and safest to eat (2-3 times per week):
Anchovies
Atlantic cod
Chilean Sea Bass
Farmed Catfish
Herring
King Crab
Monkfish
Orange Roughy
Pacific Flounder
Scallops
Shrimp
Striped Bass
Tilapia
Wild Pacific and Alaskan Salmon

Moderate levels of mercury, safe to eat 1x per week:
Alaskan Halibut
Black Cod
Blue Crab
Blue Mussels
Canned Light Tuna
Dungeness Crab
Eastern Oysters
Pollack (Imitation Crab)
The following fish all have moderate levels of mercury:

Fish to avoid and are known to have high POP or Mercury Levels:
Atlantic Halibut
Farmed Salmon (recommended not more than 1x per month if pregnant, eat wild caught instead)
Golden Snapper (tilefish)
King Mackerel
Oysters (Gulf Coast)
Pike
Sea Bass
Shark
Swordfish
Tuna (Albacore and canned Albacore)

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Tags: best fish for you, fish bad for you, fish studies shocking, good fish choices, healthiest fish species, healthy fish, list of healthy fish, mercury fish, mercury in fish, poisoned fish, safe fish, stay away from fish, unhealthy fish

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4 Comments so far

1. Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" August 31, 2009 4:17 am

   Wouldn’t you know it–the only fish I eat is Tuna which, of course, is on the “No No” list!
   Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..Our 12th Wedding Anniversary Today

2. dragonblogger August 31, 2009 1:56 pm

   At least switch to canned light tuna which is better than albacore I don’t eat canned fish much, prefer frozen or fresh.

3. April King September 3, 2009 7:01 am

   I’m always find it interesting by how many people are surprised by the high mercury levels in tuna – heavy metals aren’t really “digested” per se, and so tend to build up in animals that are at the top of the food chain. Much better to stick to eating plants and animals at the bottom of the food chain.

   It’s a good thing that aliens don’t eat us, or they’d probably be complaining about the high levels of heavy metals in humans.

4. dragonblogger September 3, 2009 7:15 am

   Soylent Green is made out of people.

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