Educating Western New Yorkers on risks of eating polluted fish from local waterways.
The Department of Health made several updates in 2026 to its fish consumption advisories. Please refer to department’s webpage below for more information.
Western Region Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch PDF
We will continue to make or share updates as new regulations and restrictions are created by state and federal agencies.
Western New York has some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity, as well as an affordable way to feed your family. However, Western New York has a long history of pollution that has made some of these fish harmful to eat.
Fish caught from some rivers and lakes in Western New York are polluted with harmful chemicals. When we eat polluted fish, the chemicals in their bodies can pass to our bodies and build up over time. Eating a lot of polluted fish may be bad for our health.
This program began in partnership with Jericho Road Ministries. It has produced innovative and simplified public health materials in numerous languages and conducted extensive outreach to at-risk communities who depend on local fish as a food source. For advice on healthier ways to eat local fish, please see our publications below.
