The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) annually monitors waterbodies for contaminants in fish through Nebraska’s Fish Tissue Monitoring Program (FTMP) program.

Data gathered from these monitoring efforts are used to assess risk to humans from consuming impacted fish, posting consumption advisories, measuring long-term trends in regional contaminants such as pesticides, metals, and PCBs, and to monitor for emerging contaminants of concern. The data helps to answer the question, “Are the fish safe to eat?”

Species of largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and more are sampled from pre-selected streams and public lakes. Fish tissue sampling activities are rotated through all of Nebraska’s 13 river basins on a six-year cycle.

Fish sampled from these public waters are analyzed primarily for organic mercury called methyl mercury. Mercury tends to bio-concentrate in fish muscle (fillets) and contributes to greater than 95% of Nebraska’s fish consumption advisories. Although mercury can occur naturally, this heavy metal also originates from mining operations, fossil fuel combustion, refuse incineration and industrial waste charges.

When contaminants are found to be present in fish tissue at above established health criterion, advisories are made known to the public. Although advisories do not prohibit fish consumption, they do provide awareness about contaminant levels so anglers can make informed decisions about the fish they eat.

A current list of Nebraska’s waterbodies where fish consumption advisories have been issued can be viewed on NDEE’s website.

Keep in mind, both wild caught and store-bought fish can contain contaminants. A list of specific of recommended and unrecommended fish can be viewed in NDEE’s “Eat Safe Fish” brochure.
In-depth information on NDEE’s Fish Tissue Monitoring can be obtained by reading the program’s summary report and latest Data Assessment Report.