Louisiana issues fish consumption advisories for seven waterways

The Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have issued fish consumption advisories for seven waterways following the discovery of elevated mercury levels in fish tissue samples.

Two new advisories were added for the Mermentau River and Lake Arthur, as well as the Vermilion River and Bayou Tortue. Existing warnings were also updated for Bayou De Loutre and associated lakes, Boeuf River, Lake Bistineau, Pearl River, and Tew Lake.

Health officials warned that long-term consumption of mercury-contaminated fish can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and liver, and can severely affect brain development in fetuses and young children. Because mercury cannot be removed through cooking or cleaning, officials recommend choosing smaller fish and following specific consumption limits to reduce exposure.