Pollution concerns - who would know if it is safe to eat fish caught in my area?

[Ornery_Bob]

Long Beach, CA - fishing is allowed from the shore in areas south of the actual port, so these are places open to the sea and not part of any harbor, but they are just south of the Los Angeles River outfall, an obvious source of pollution.

So is there a governmental agency that tests these fish for safety? Is it a valid concern?

[DCnDC]

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is probably a good place to start.

[donkeyoatey]

The Fish Contamination Education Collaborative (FCEC) monitors fish in the area.

DO NOT EAT: White Croaker, Barracuda, Black Croaker, Barred Sand Bass and Topsmelt because of DDT, PCB and mercury contamination

SAFE FISH TO EAT:
1 Serving Per Week (skinless fillet): California Halibut, California Scorpionfish (Sculpin), Kelp Bass, Sardines, Sargo, Shovelnose Guitarfish, Rockfishes
2 Servings Per Week (skinless fillet): Corbina, Pacific Chub Mackerel, Queenfish, Opaleye, Surfperches and Yellowfin Croaker
4 Servings Per Week (skinless fillet): Jacksmelt

[Ornery_Bob]

Thanks! Looks like I’m firmly in the “Red Zone.” Sigh.