Don’t Eat the Fish Caught in These Louisiana Waters

(KMDL-FM) Fishing is in our DNA in the state of Louisiana. We didn't get the "Sportsman's Paradise" nickname by accident. People in Louisiana love the outdoors, even when it's hot and even when it's storming. By the way, there's a good chance it will be both of those today.

Our state is home to some incredible fishing holes. Many of the lakes and reservoirs you see featured on "outdoors shows" on television are filmed on Louisiana waters. And many of our state's bodies of water have produced record-setting catches.

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In a recent survey, it was revealed that "catching a fish" was almost as much of a milestone in life for Louisiana residents as "shooting a gun" or "driving a car". And while we fully support the concept of catch and release, sometimes you want to eat what you caught. Unless you happen to have caught that fish in water that is deemed "unhealthy" by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Which Louisiana Waters Are Unsafe for Swimming and Fishing?

Louisiana DEQ and the Louisiana Department of Health often post advisories during the summer months regarding water safety in and around our state's beaches. Those advisories usually warn of high bacterial contamination, making swimming and the consequences of swimming in the affected waters very undesirable.

Louisiana DEQ also has an interactive map that allows you to pinpoint specific bodies of water ahead of time where the fishing might be good, but the consumption of fish caught there might pose a risk to your health.

What is the Primary Health Risk Associated with Eating Fish Caught in Louisiana?

In many Louisiana bodies of water and waterways, mercury contamination appears to be the main complaint. That can certainly pose significant health risks. But there are other concerns you need to be aware of, and the interactive map covers those as well. 

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I wonder if you can drop contaminated fish in your garbage disposal? Oh, look, we can probably find that out right now.