JACKSON, Tenn. — Fish in areas of West Tennessee have tested positive for toxic metals.
These tests prompted the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to issue a precautionary fish consumption advisory. Safe levels of mercury in fish are below 0.3 milligrams of mercury per kilogram of fish.
Fish in these water bodies tested levels of mercury were at 0.43 milligrams per kilogram, which is 43% more than the safe level.
“So if you’re a pregnant woman, a nursing mother, or a child, you should avoid eating all bass from these three water bodies. If you’re not in that group, it is still safe to limit your consumption to one meal of bass per month,” said Ron Elder, park manager for Chickasaw State Park.
In their release, the TDEC emphasized that this is not a ‘Do Not Consume’ advisory. This is for the public to make an informed decision on whether or not to eat bass they have caught from the Hatchie River, Lake Placid, or Lake LaJoie.
“So the notification — the press release regarding the mercury levels — is just so that people can make a good and informed decision for themselves just knowing that there is mercury in the fish just like numerous lakes in West Tennessee,” said Elder…