A blue catfish is caught during a river herring survey by staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on the North East River in Cecil County, Md., on April 25, 2023. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Fourth generation watermen Rocky Rice, bottom, and Brent Thomas check fish pots on the Potomac River in Charles County, Md., on Sept. 20, 2017. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
[LEFT] Blue catfish are emptied from fish pots on a boat on the Potomac River in Charles County, Md., on Sept. 20, 2017. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program). [RIGHT] Properly prepared portions of blue catfish are plated and served at a press event at Smallwood State Park in Marbury, Md., on April 10, 2014. (Photo by Jenna Valente/Chesapeake Bay Program)
The sun sets on waterman Rocky Rice after another successful day of removing the Chesapeake Bay's most troublesome species on Sept. 20, 2017. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Comments
Great question, Tim. PCB contamination for blue crabs is much less of a concern. If you use Maryland's Fish Consumption Advisory Map, you'll see that for nearly all rivers, there is no limit on the amount of meat eaten by adults. The advisories do warn people to eat Crab Mustard (hepatopancreas) sparingly due to potential PCB contamination.
Great eye opening article. Did not know they got that big or have been around that long!
I suspect blue crabs also have PCB’s ? Any cautions on crabs?
Hi Mike, we recommend checking local grocery stores and seafood markets. Here is a list of grocery stories and restaurants in Maryland where you can get wild caught blue catfish. https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/try-chesapeake-bay-blue-catfish/
I am looking to purchasing Chesapeake bay blue catfish. I see they are tasty and nutritious. I want to order on line. Can you help?
Hi Alex, rock fish or striped bass can also contain PCBs. Maryland DNR's fish consumption advisory has more details: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/marylander/fishandshellfish/pages/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx
I live this article !!! Very informative information, cant wait to pass this on. Keep up the great work with these very informative articles.
Is the same true for other fishes like Rock?
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
Comments
Great question, Tim. PCB contamination for blue crabs is much less of a concern. If you use Maryland's Fish Consumption Advisory Map, you'll see that for nearly all rivers, there is no limit on the amount of meat eaten by adults. The advisories do warn people to eat Crab Mustard (hepatopancreas) sparingly due to potential PCB contamination.
https://mdewin64.mde.state.md.us/WSA/FCA/index.html
Great eye opening article. Did not know they got that big or have been around that long!
I suspect blue crabs also have PCB’s ? Any cautions on crabs?
Hi Mike, we recommend checking local grocery stores and seafood markets. Here is a list of grocery stories and restaurants in Maryland where you can get wild caught blue catfish. https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/try-chesapeake-bay-blue-catfish/
I am looking to purchasing Chesapeake bay blue catfish. I see they are tasty and nutritious. I want to order on line. Can you help?
Hi Alex, rock fish or striped bass can also contain PCBs. Maryland DNR's fish consumption advisory has more details: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/marylander/fishandshellfish/pages/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx
I live this article !!! Very informative information, cant wait to pass this on. Keep up the great work with these very informative articles.
Is the same true for other fishes like Rock?
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
Back to recent stories