As a result of the new advisory changes, rainbow trout, yellow perch and smelt, which were previously listed as unlimited consumption, have moved to the eat once a week category. Large brown trout, most lake trout and chinook salmon were moved from no consumption to either six or 12 times per year. Unchanged from the previous fish advisory are large lake trout, carp and channel catfish of all sizes, which remain in the do not eat category. The change in the consumption warning for Waukegan Old North Harbor fish, announced in 1993, was made because PCB levels in fish species have declined significantly due to harbor cleanup activities. Recent tests of fish taken from the harbor found the contamination equivalent to fish in the rest of Lake Michigan, so the new Great Lakes advisory also is now applicable to fish caught in the harbor.
Fish is a good source of high quality protein and is low in cholesterol and harmful fats.
Anglers can get the health benefits of fish and reduce unwanted contaminants by following the meal advice and cooking and cleaning recommendations in this advisory. Broil, bake, barbecue or cook in a way that allows the fat to drip away. Discard fat drippings or broth from boiled or poached fish. Do not use in other dishes. Laboratory tests have shown that high doses of some PCBs and related contaminants cause adverse health conditions in animals, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental damage.