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DNR Reviews Fish Advisories on 60 Lakes

Eric Engbretson
/
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish from the Sugar Camp Chain of Lakes are now safer to eat than they were a few years ago.  That’s one of the findings of the DNR’s annual review of fish consumption advisories.   

The agency also says Lake Michigan brown trout are now deemed safe to eat once a month.

Meanwhile some other waters now have more stringent fish consumption advisories.  For example Virgin Lake in Oneida County has a new exception…that discourages people from eating walleye over 22 inches. 

As DNR Environmental Toxicologist Candy Schrank explains, advisories on inland waters are largely a result of mercury…that accumulates in larger fish. 

“For most of our waters, people can safely consume either panfish or game fish at a rate of either one meal a week or one meal a month, or even more frequently. Where we find higher concentrations, then we would issue more stringent advice for that particular species.”

There are about a hundred and forty five inland lakes that the DNR monitors more closely for elevated levels of contamination. 

For most state waters, kids and women of childbearing age are advised to eat panfish just once a week, and game fish like walleye just once a month.   Men and older women can eat an unlimited number of panfish and can safely eat game fish weekly. 

TheDNR’s websitehas detailed advisories for lakes with more stringent advisories. 

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