• Winter sunrise, Kittatinny Ridge

    Delaware Water Gap

    National Recreation Area NJ,PA

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  • Areas closed or newly opened

    Childs Park opens Thursday, May 23. Dingmans Falls, Blue Mt Lakes/Skyline and unpaved Old Mine roads 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?

Sketch of a shiny, silvery, oval shaped fish with smallish fins

... that shad have made a comeback in the Delaware River, due to pollution control. This member of the herring family lives its adult life in the ocean, but travels up rivers and streams to spawn. Each spring, anglers follow the "shad run" up the Delaware River to catch these hard-fighting fish. More...