Can I Eat Fish From the Hudson River?

The Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project aims to inform anglers and consumers about the health risks associated with eating fish from the Hudson River due to contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The advisories vary based on the location, species, and individual health considerations.

What are the Health Advisories by Location and Species?

Upper Hudson River (Hudson Falls to Corinth Dam)

• General population: Avoid eating all fish.
• Sensitive population (children under 15, women under 50): Avoid eating all fish.

Middle Hudson River (Corinth Dam to South Glens Falls Dam)

• General population: Avoid eating channel catfish and carp.
• Sensitive population: Avoid eating all fish.

Lower Hudson River (South Glens Falls Dam to New York City Battery)

• General population: Limit consumption of yellow perch, rock bass, blueback herring, and alewife to one meal per month.
• Sensitive population: Avoid eating all fish, including striped bass.

What are the Recommended Cleaning and Cooking Methods?

To minimize exposure to contaminants, follow these tips:

1. Clean and gut the fish immediately: Remove the skin, fat, and organs where PCBs tend to accumulate.
2. Cut away fatty areas: Trim fat from the belly, back, and around the head.
3. Cook the fish properly: Bake, broil, or grill the fish to reduce fat and PCBs.

What are the Fishing Regulations and Access?

• Fishing restrictions: Catch-and-release fishing is recommended in some areas, and possession of certain species is prohibited.
• Public access fishing waters: Maps are available for Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and other counties, indicating areas with health advisories.

How Can I Reduce Exposure to Contaminants?

1. Follow health advisories: Adhere to the specific guidelines for your age group and the location where you catch the fish.
2. Choose safer species: Opt for species with lower PCB levels, such as yellow perch or rock bass.
3. Clean and cook fish properly: Follow the recommended methods to minimize exposure.
4. Limit consumption: Eat fish from the Hudson River in moderation, especially if you are in a sensitive population group.

The Hudson River has a long history of industrial pollution, and the presence of PCBs in the river’s fish has been a significant concern for decades. While the river has undergone extensive cleanup efforts, the legacy of contamination remains, and it is crucial for anglers and consumers to be aware of the health advisories and take appropriate precautions when consuming fish from the Hudson River.

By following the guidelines and recommendations provided by the Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project, individuals can make informed decisions about their fish consumption and minimize their exposure to harmful contaminants. It is important to note that the advisories are subject to change, so it is recommended to regularly check the project’s website or contact local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

References:

1. New York State Department of Health – Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/hudson_river/advisory_outreach_project/
2. New York State Department of Health – Fish Advisories for the Hudson River & Tributaries: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/regional/hudson_river_and_tributaries.htm
3. Cornell Cooperative Extension – Hudson River Fish Advisory Project: https://cceorangecounty.org/food-nutrition/hudson-river-fish-advisory-project