Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued its updated guide to eating fish. The state regularly monitors chemical buildup in local waterways to keep the public safe. This new guide helps anglers determine which fish are safe to eat. Recreational activities such as swimming and boating remain perfectly fine.

State agencies released these updated guidelines in June 2026. The testing data is based on fish samples collected in the preceding fall. Scientists measured the weight, length, and chemical levels of various species. Local leaders say these updates protect vulnerable populations from toxic substances.

Anglers in Baldwin County face several strict consumption limits. The state advises against eating any largemouth bass from several locations. These locations include the Bon Secour River, Fish River, and Magnolia River. The same restriction applies to bass caught in Lake Shelby and the Styx River.

High mercury levels prompted these safety warnings. Other species also have strict limits in local waters. For instance, you should limit consumption of channel catfish from Bay Minette Creek to two meals per month. In contrast, striped mullet in these same areas have no consumption restrictions.

The guidelines also cover coastal bays and rivers. Perdido Bay species, such as red drum and speckled trout, are limited to two meals per month. Meanwhile, all species tested in Weeks Bay and Wolf Bay are safe to eat. The health department found no restrictions for those areas.

Mercury accumulates in fish muscle tissue over time. Older and larger fish typically contain higher levels of toxins. The health department notes that the body naturally removes small amounts of chemicals. However, eating too much contaminated fish can cause serious long-term health problems.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children face the greatest risk. The state advises these groups to avoid high-mercury species entirely. Parents should also serve smaller portions to children. For safety questions, citizens can call the public health department directly or visit its official website.