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Oregon Health Authority

Bonneville Dam Fish Advisory



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.

Resources

BI fish advisory table.PNG


Health Education Resources

Fish Advisory Poster

This one-page poster shows where fish are unsafe to eat, which fish should be limited, and which are healthy.

Fish Advisory Flyers

This one-page flyer shows where fish are unsafe to eat, which fish should be limited, and which fish are healthy choices. This flyer also explains why there is a fish consumption advisory, health risks and when the advisory is in effect.

Fish Advisory Fact Sheets

This two-page fact sheet provides information on where the fish consumption advisory applies, which fish should be avoided or limited, and health risks. It also discusses why there is a fish consumption advisory and healthier fish preparation methods.

Safe Fish Choices for Pregnancy and Children Brochure

People who are or may become pregnant, breastfeeding, and children under age six are more at-risk for harmful health effects from eating polluted fish. Use this brochure to learn which fish are safe to eat from the Lower and Middle Columbia River and near the Bonneville Dam.