Edition Important Health Information Fishing provides enjoyable and relaxing recreation. Fish are excellent sources of protein, minerals and vitamins and play a role in maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Many people enjoy cooking and eating their own catch.
However, since 1982, when research began to show elevated levels of potentially harmful contaminants in certain fish and crabs in some New Jersey waters, advisories were adopted to guide citizens on safe consumption practices. These advisories were developed with reference to federal guidelines for dioxin, PCBs, chlordane and mercury in the aquatic species in the water bodies listed in the charts on Fish and Crab Advisory page and Mercury Health Advisory page at this web site. You should read both charts thoroughly before going fishing. Dioxin, PCBs and chlordane are classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as probable cancer-causing substances in humans. Mercury can pose health risks to the human nervous system, particularly to developing fetuses.