Eat only the tail and claws of crayfish. Do not eat head and guts. Ocean fish usually have fewer contaminants. It is likely that many fish in and around cities have hazardous chemicals in them. Harmful chemicals are in stormwater running off roads, parking lots, houses, and lawns.
Pollutants also come from business, industry, and farm fields.
Fish is an excellent source of protein, is low in fat when baked or broiled, and has other nutritional benefits. Following the preparation guidelines above will reduce your health risks from eating fish. Columbia Slough Watershed Challenges Increasing development, past and present industrial land use, flood and drainage management and transportation uses all have significant impacts on the Columbia Slough watershed. The result is poor water quality, wildlife and fish habitat and livability. This problem is exacerbated by widespread development that increases runoff and replaces green spaces that serve as natural filters.