Fattier fish and fish that eat other fish, especially when larger or older, can build up high levels of chemicals. Fish containing these chemicals may not look, taste or smell different or bad. A lot has been done to clean up Lake Erie and other rivers and streams in the basin. There are more fish in these waters and more people are catching and eating them. However, potentially harmful chemicals can still be found in the fish we eat.
Some fish have more chemicals because of where they live.
For More Information General Brochure Download a PDF version of the general fish guide, which served as the basis for this web page. Other References Check out The Fish of Lake Erie , a handy fish identification guide from the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. Headings in color indicate links to other web sites. For more information on chemical levels in fish and a fish identification guide. The task group recognized that, because of cultural considerations as well as economic necessity, fish consumption rates are higher in lower income and minority communities around the Lake.