MN fish consumption guidelines as PFAS detected in fish from Vermillion River
Steelhead like this one caught in a North Shore stream are prized the world over, as rare and wild a fish as has ever been sought. But their existence in Minnesota is a precarious one, dependent on a delicate balance of water and resource protection. (Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its fish consumption guidelines as mercury continues to be a problem in fish caught in northeast Minnesota and PFAS has been detected for the first time in fish pulled from the Vermillion River.
New fish consumption guidelines
What we know:
The guidelines vary based on who you are, the size and type of fish you caught, and where you caught the fish. The main concerns appear to be northeast Minnesota, where mercury remains an issue, and new to the report is the Vermillion River where officials have detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish for the first time.
Big picture view:
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," were used widely by industrial companies, like 3M, to make plastic products, nonstick cookware, fast food packaging, and other products. It has since been classified as a human carcinogen by the National Institute of Health.
Fish caught in Northeast Minnesota
Local perspective:
In northeast Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued the following recommendations for fish consumption:
Sensitive populations: Children under age 15, Women who may become pregnant, Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
- 1 serving per week: Bullhead, crappie, Inland trout (brook, brown, rainbow), Lake herring (cisco), Lake whitefish, sunfish
- 1 serving per month: Bass, catfish, Lake trout, Northern pike shorter, Walleye, Yellow perch, Other Minnesota fish species not listed
- Avoid these: Muskellunge, Northern pike (26 inches or longer), Walleye (18 inches or longer)
General population: People not planning to become pregnant, boys and men ages 15 and older
- 4 servings per week: Bullhead, Inland trout (brook, brown, rainbow), Lake herring (cisco), Lake whitefish
- 2 servings per week: Crappie, sunfish
- 1 serving per week: Bass, catfish, Lake trout, Northern pike, walleye, Yellow perch, Other Minnesota fish species not listed
- 1 serving per month: Muskellunge
PFAS found in Vermillion River
Local perspective:
The state has also added the Vermillion River to its list of waterbodies that have had fish with PFAS detection.
The Vermillion River runs from Elko through Dakota County to Hastings, where it discharges into the Mississippi. It is a popular trout fishing spot.
Sensitive populations
- Do not eat: All species
General population
- 1 serving per week: All species
Statewide guidelines
Sensitive populations
- 1 serving per week: Bullhead, crappie, Inland trout (brook, brown, rainbow), Lake herring (cisco), Lake whitefish, sunfish, Yellow perch
- 1 serving per month: Bass, catfish, Lake trout, Northern pike shorter, Walleye, Other Minnesota fish species not listed
- Avoid these: Avoid these: Muskellunge, Northern pike (28 inches or longer), Walleye (20 inches or longer)
General population
- 4 servings per week: Bullhead, Crappie, Inland trout (brook, brown, rainbow), Lake herring (cisco), Lake whitefish, Sunfish, Yellow perch
- 1 serving per week: Bass, catfish, Lake trout, Northern pike, Walleye, Other Minnesota fish species
- 1 serving per month: Muskellunge