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 substancesThe data table and associated field descriptions are as follows:Waterbodies - The name of the waterbody where sampling was performed and the advisory issued.Species - The name of the fish, shellfish, crab species sampled. Species size limits are included.Species Photo - A link to the photo of the species for identification purposes.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.General Policy for Women - The number of recommended meals for consumption for women who are pregnant, who may become pregnant, or are nursing.General Policy for Children - The number of recommended meals for consumption for children of age six or under.Contamination - The contaminant discovered through testing of the species in question.Fish Part - The part of the species in question, which is usually consumed, where the contaminant is found.
Copyright Text: Maryland Department of the Environment, Field Services Program
Description: This map service displays the waterbodies within Maryland where sampling and testing are performed and the consumption advisories posted for recreationally caught fish, shellfish, and crab species.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) and total and/or methyl mercury (MeHg), and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (also referred to as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Copyright Text: Maryland Department of the Environment, Field Services Program
Description: This map service displays the general areas were fish hatcheries can be found within Maryland. MDE does not denote the specific fish hatchery locations as part of the Fish Consumption Advisory program. Fish hatcheries fall under the jurisdiction/management of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Sampling/testing is performed by MDE only per request from DNR. Advisories are posted by MDE and DNR on their respective websites.
Copyright Text: Maryland Department of the Environment, Field Services Program