• Winter sunrise, Kittatinny Ridge

    Delaware Water Gap

    National Recreation Area NJ,PA

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  • Areas closed or newly opened

    Childs Park opens May 25. Dingmans Falls, Blue Mt Lakes/Skyline and unpaved Old Mine roads are open. STILL CLOSED PA: Mt. Minsi spur trails closed due to falcon nesting; Hornbecks & Adams Trails closed; McDade Trail closed trail miles 24.5 to 27.5 More »

Eating the Fish

Fisherman with gear casting in a river or stream

Focused on fishing.

Photo: Andy Milazzo

Fish take in contaminants from the water they live in and the food they eat. Over time these contaminants, primarily mercury and PCBs, can build up in the fish…and in you. Fish Consumption Advisories provide guidance on how minimize exposure to contaminants.

fish survey

A fish survey in the park.

General Guidelines for eating fish:
• The general population should eat no more than one meal (1/2 pound) per week.
• The high-risk population (nursing mothers, women who are or could become pregnant, and young children) should eat no more than one meal (1/2 pound) per month.

State Fish Consumption Advisories

Fish Advisories from PA Dept of Environmental Protection
Fish Advisories from NJ Dept of Environmental Protection

Federal Information on Toxic Substances

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Agencia para Sustancias Tóxicas y el Registro de Enfermadades

Did You Know?

A bear peeking out from cornstalks.

... that Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to hundreds of black bears. The bears are usually peaceful, but they are still large, wild animals that can maul a person. Don't approach or annoy bears! Don't let your dog chase a mother bear or her cubs! NEVER FEED A BEAR! More...