Mercury concentrates at each step of the way, so top predators such as walleye and northern pike have the highest mercury levels. Most Wisconsin citizens and visitors will not need to change their fish eating habits as a result of the advisory, Amrhein said. But heeding the new recommendations, and eating those species and sizes of fish that are lower in mercury, can help people enjoy eating their catch without increasing health risks. Nor are the health effects of eating mercury-contaminated fish discernible except for extremely acute cases. People cannot reduce mercury levels in fish by trimming or cooking them in a certain way.
Mercury is present throughout the fish muscle, called the filet.
Mercury can be eliminated by the human body over time. That's why it's important to space meals. If you forget and eat a fish meal more frequently than recommended, don't become overly concerned. The recommendations have built-in safety factors, so forgetting once shouldn't cause a problem. If you have been eating fish frequently and are worried you have mercury poisoning, reduce your fish consumption for a few months to let the mercury clear from your body.