'Shoresides' Podcast With Melba Newsome: North Carolina Agency Warns Anglers About Poisoned Fish

In a recent article for Sierra Magazine titled “North Carolina Agency Warns Anglers About Poisoned Fish,” Pulitzer Center grantee Melba Newsome reports that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a fish consumption advisory. The advisory recommends that almost everyone significantly reduce their intake of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River due to contamination concerns. These fish are suspected to be contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a toxic chemical from the PFAS group that can persist in the environment for up to 1,000 years.

The press release from the NCDHHS states: “We recommend limits on the consumption of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River based on concerns about exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) found in fish sampled from that area.”

The Cape Fear River Watch has published guidelines titled “Stop, Check, Enjoy,” which provide tips on fish consumption. Additionally, you can find current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina and reports by county on fish consumption. For useful tips on making fish safer and healthier for consumption, renowned North Carolina Chef Keith Rhodes offers valuable advice.

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Link to current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina.