Fish Tissue

The fish tissue contaminants program characterizes the levels of certain contaminants in Ohio River fish and provides a basis for determining the need for human health/fish consumption advisories.

In 1975, ORSANCO initiated the collection of fish tissue samples for contaminant analysis as a means for determining the presence or absence of certain pollutants, such as pesticides and other organic chemicals. These pollutants can have adverse impacts on the environment even when their concentration in water is below detection levels. In 1987, the program was modified and refined to allow the appropriate state agencies to use the data from the program as the basis for issuing fish consumption advisories.

Tissue samples are collected and prepared by ORSANCO staff, and shipped to a contract laboratory for analysis. Sample results are received from the laboratory in approximately 60 days. ORSANCO staff quality assure the data and distribute it to the states for evaluation. An advisory committee comprised of state health and environmental quality personnel is convened to discuss the data and the need for and basis of fish advisories. Fish advisories are issued, removed or modified by state agency personnel.

In addition to collecting fish and providing contaminant data to the states, ORSANCO also facilitates communication among the states to minimize differences in advisories issued for Ohio River fish. The occurrence of conflicting advisories has been reduced through the development of the Ohio River Fish Consumption Advisory Protocol, which is now used to inform advisories for the Ohio River that can be found here.

For fish consumption advisories in your area, contact your state agency.

For more information on the Fish Consumption Advisory Program, please contact Rob Tewes.

Fish Tissue Data