Iowa Fishing Regulations - Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa Fish are Wholesome
Eating fish is an important part of a healthy diet for all ages. Fish
are low in saturated fats, contain high quality protein, and important
vitamins and minerals. Some fish can also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating fish can contribute to a healthy heart and a child’s proper growth
and brain development. The American Heart Association recommends
that people enjoy at least 2 servings of baked or grilled fish each week,
especially oily fish. Eating fish may protect against a variety of diseases
and illnesses in adults, such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, diabetes,
depression, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, prostate cancer, stroke and
autoimmune disease.
Fish Consumption Advisories
Every year, Iowa DNR biologists collect edible samples of fish for
laboratory analysis. Results of this analysis show that most fish are safe
to eat even though trace amounts of chemicals may be present in fish
tissue. Mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the chemicals
most likely to accumulate in fish and exceed Iowa’s risk-based advisory
levels that are based on guidance provided by the Iowa Department of
Public Health.
Fish consumption advisories are posted wherever it is confirmed
that Iowa’s advisory levels are exceeded (p. 32). Consumption advisories
typically focus on predator and bottom-feeding species. Panfish
(crappie, bluegill, perch) are generally safe to eat with virtually no risk.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that pregnant and nursing women,
those planning to become pregnant and children 12 years or younger
limit their consumption to one meal per week of all larger size predator
fish, such as walleye and bass. Predator fish are more likely to have
higher concentrations of mercury (see http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/
fishadvice/advice.html); however, consumption of panfish by these
higher risk individuals is considered safe unless otherwise posted.
For more information on Iowa’s fish consumption advisories, go to
www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/AboutFishinginIowa.aspx. Visit this website
for the most up-to-date list of advisories. New advisories are issued and
existing advisories are removed, based on results of annual fish contaminant
monitoring in Iowa. To obtain information on the benefits of eating
fish or what types of fish are safe to eat, visit the Iowa Department of
Public Health’s webpage at
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/env/fish_health_issues.pdf32.
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