Ensure water is clean and safe for harvesting of fish and shellfish.
Percentage of Maryland waters covered by fish consumption advisories. Certain fish in contaminated waters can accumulate high enough levels of toxic substances that, when consumed frequently over a lifetime, may increase the consumers' risk of adverse health effects. In waters covered by a fish consumption advisory, fishermen and consumers are advised to limit their consumption of certain fish species. Past usage and inappropriate disposal of persistent organic substances have resulted in elevated levels of some hazardous substances in water bodies near major urban centers. Certain fish in these waters, due to their feeding habits, metabolic activity, age and fat content, may accumulate these substances to levels which may be harmful to people consuming them frequently throughout their lifetime.