Livewell

Contaminant

Pesticides

Legacy agricultural chemicals that persist in sediment and fat.

What it is

Older organochlorine pesticides (such as toxaphene, dieldrin, and mirex) were banned decades ago but still persist in lake and river sediment and accumulate in the fatty tissue of fish. Long-term exposure is linked to cancer and to reproductive, developmental, and nervous-system effects.

Can you reduce your exposure?

Skin the fish and trim away the fatty areas (belly flap, back, and the dark lateral line). Grill, broil, or bake on a rack so the fat drips off, and discard the drippings — don't make soup or sauce from them. Choosing smaller, younger fish also helps.

How to prepare it

  • Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
  • Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
  • Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
  • Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
  • Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.

Waters with Pesticides advisories

31 waters across 9 states.