Due to high levels of
PCBs, we recommend that no one eat resident fish from the Bonneville Dam at Bradford Island to Ruckel Creek (one mile upstream). Resident fish stay within a defined area on the river and do not migrate out to the ocean.
Fish Consumption Recommendations
Fish are nutritious, but resident fish from this area contain PCBs that may harm your health. Everyone should follow this advisory, especially women who are or might become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children. Babies and children are most at-risk.
Resident Fish
Do not eat any resident fish. This includes bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, sucker, sturgeon, walleye and yellow perch.
Migratory Fish*
Salmon, steelhead, and shad are NOT included in this fish advisory. They are a healthy choice from the Columbia River.
*Lamprey: Although migratory, lamprey diets result in more contamination than other migratory fish. Children under 6 or people who are or may become pregnant or breastfeeding should limit their consumption of lamprey to 2 eight-oz. meals per month. Everyone else should limit their consumption to 4 eight-oz. meals per month. Visit the Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Comission's (CRITFC) webpage on
the lamprey consumption advisory for more information (Click HERE).
Health Effects
PCBs consumed at high levels can impact men and women of all ages. PCBs may cause a variety of health problems depending on the amount a person is exposed to. If a baby or fetus is exposed to high levels of PCBs while developing, the child may have lifelong learning and behavioral problems. PCBs may also affect the immune and reproductive systems and thyroid hormones. PCBs may cause cancer in people.
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