State Issues New Guidelines For Consuming Fish From Ohio Waters

Ohio has issued new guidelines for eating fish caught in lakes, rivers and streams. The statewide study reflects some improvements in Ohio's waters. For instance, advisories against eating common carp from the Big Darby Creek, North Branch Portage River and Mahoning River have been lifted and are now one-per-month advisories. The state's health and natural resources departments partner with the Ohio EPA to develop the consumption standards, which help Ohio anglers decide about eating their catch. Nearly 900 fish tissue samples collected from 51 lakes and 26 streams in 2014 and 2015 form the basis for the new advisories.  Officials say unless otherwise noted in the new guidelines, a general advisory is in place that recommends limiting one meal each week of Ohio-caught fish.