Group issues Humboldt Bay seafood eating guide based on mercury levels
When it comes to a recent Humboldt Baykeeper study of mercury levels in Humboldt Bay fish and shellfish, the group’s director Jennifer Kalt said there’s good news and bad news.
The study found that men, women and children of all ages should avoid ingesting unsafe levels of mercury by taking leopard shark out of their diets. The study also recommends women under 45 years old and children avoid eating lingcod above 10 pounds.
Weekly serving amounts for other species — such as bat rays, California halibut, black rockfish — are also recommended to be low, according to the study.
Photo: From left to right, Captain Phil Glenn of Bluefin Charters, volunteer angler Doug Epperley, and fisheries consultant Ross Taylor participate in the study on mercury levels in Humboldt Bay fish in 2016.
Have you wondered whether it is safe to eat fish from Humboldt Bay? We’ve been testing mercury levels in local fish with fisheries consultant, Ross Taylor. We’ve found that most local fish are safe to eat in moderation – with a few exceptions. 
We want to hear from you! If you eat leopard shark, ling cod, California halibut, clams, or Dungeness crab, we hope you will help provide information for our mercury study. 
