{ "culture": "en-US", "name": "", "guid": "", "catalogPath": "", "snippet": "This map service provides the fish consumption advisory guidelines based on test results for recreationally caught fish, shellfish, and crab species in Maryland.", "description": "

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for monitoring and evaluating contaminant levels in fish, shellfish, and crabs in Maryland waters. The tissues of interest for human health include the edible portions of species (e.g., fish fillet). Such monitoring enables MDE to determine whether the specific contaminant levels in these species are within acceptable limits for human consumption. Results of such studies are used to issue consumption advisories for recreationally caught fish, shellfish, and crab species in Maryland. Additionally, since fish, shellfish, and crabs have the potential to accumulate inorganic and organic chemicals in their tissues (even when these materials are present in very low concentrations in water), monitoring of these species becomes a valuable indicator of environmental pollution in a given waterbody. Chemicals typically tested in fish tissue include those found at historically high levels in water and sediments, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides (e.g., DDT and decomposition compounds, dieldrin), total mercury and/or methyl mercury (MeHg), and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), also referred to as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances<\/SPAN><\/P>

The data table and associated field descriptions are as follows:<\/SPAN><\/P>

  • Waterbodies - The name of the waterbody where sampling was performed and the advisory issued.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Species - The name of the fish, shellfish, crab species sampled. Species size limits are included.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Species Photo - A link to the photo of the species for identification purposes.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • General Consumption Policy - The number of recommended meals for consumption for the general public. The general public includes men, women who are not pregnant/expecting/nursing, and children age seven and older.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • General Policy for Women - The number of recommended meals for consumption for women who are pregnant, who may become pregnant, or are nursing.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • General Policy for Children - The number of recommended meals for consumption for children of age six or under.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Contamination - The contaminant discovered through testing of the species in question.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Fish Part - The part of the species in question, which is usually consumed, where the contaminant is found.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI><\/UL>

    <\/P><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV>", "summary": "This map service provides the fish consumption advisory guidelines based on test results for recreationally caught fish, shellfish, and crab species in Maryland.", "title": "Fish Consumption Advisory Guidelines", "tags": [ "Fish", "Shellfish", "Crab", "Fish Tissue", "Contaminant", "Human Consumption", "PCB", "DDT", "MeHg", "PFAS/PFOS", "MDE", "Maryland", "Maryland Department of the Environment" ], "type": "", "typeKeywords": [], "thumbnail": "", "url": "", "minScale": 150000000, "maxScale": 5000, "spatialReference": "", "accessInformation": "Maryland Department of the Environment, Field Services Program", "licenseInfo": "

    The State of Maryland makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the quality, content, accuracy, completeness, currency, freedom from computer virus, or non-infringement of proprietary rights, of any of the design, information, text, graphics, images, pages, interfaces, links, software, or other materials and items contained in or displayed on this site. All such items and materials are provided on an \"as is\" basis, and you are fully and solely responsible for your use of them and for any results or consequences of your use. They have been compiled from a variety of sources, including sources beyond the control of the State of Maryland, and are subject to change without notice from the State. Commercial use is prohibited without the prior written permission of the State. In no event shall the State or its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives be liable for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, incidental, exemplary or consequential damages arising your accessing or using the site, or otherwise arising from the site or from anything contained in or displayed on the site. Nothing contained in or displayed on this site constitutes or is intended to constitute legal advice by the State or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, or representatives.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV>", "portalUrl": "" }