Hudson River Fish: Health Advice, Publications, Projects

Health Advice

Can You Eat Fish from the Hudson?

Chemicals in Hudson River fish can harm your health even if the fish look healthy and the water looks clean. These chemicals--called PCBs--may be more harmful to young children and unborn babies.

women_children icon

Women under 50 years and children under 15 years

picture showing how to trim your fish

Men over 15 years and women over 50 years

Follow advice about eating fish and crabs from the Hudson River.

Follow the advice diagram to reduce PCBs, which are in the fat of fish.

  • After trimming as shown, broil, grill or bake the fish on a rack so that fat drips away.
  • Do not pan-fry the fish or use drippings to make stock or sauce.

Publications

New, Free Materials

Use our order form (PDF, 109KB, 1pg.) to request copies of our new, free materials.

  • Hudson River brochure thumbnailSpanish brochure thumbnailHudson River: Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch

    This brochure provides health advice on eating fish caught from the Hudson River. It provides advice for women over age 50 and men, and special advice for women of childbearing age (under age 50) and children (under age 15). It includes a map showing all areas of the Hudson River with health advisories.

    Also available in Spanish (PDF, 1MB, 5pg.)

  • Mid-Hudson Advisory thumbnailLower Hudson Advisory thumbnailAdvice on Eating Hudson River Fish

    Wallet-size angler advisory cards that detail which Hudson River fish men over 15 and women over 50 can eat, and which fish they should not eat. The advice about eating fish varies depending upon the location on the river.

  • poster thumbnailSpanish poster thumbnailCan You Eat That Fish From the Hudson?

    An 11"x17" poster in English or Spanish for your community space.

  • activity book thumbnailHudson River Creatures Activity Book

    A 20-page activity and coloring book for schools, health care waiting rooms and Hudson River community events.

  • signs thumbnailHudson River Fish Advisory Signs

    Free Hudson River fish advisory signs (coated 12" x 14" aluminum with mounting holes) are available to municipalities and other Hudson River property owners.

Additional Advisories and Publications

Public Service Announcements

Read or listen to our public service announcements about the Hudson River fish advisory.

Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project

The Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project is a multi-year initiative of the New York State Department of Health. The goal of the Project is for all anglers and others who eat fish from the Hudson River to know about and follow the New York State fish advisories. The project area extends from Hudson Falls to the New York City Battery (PDF, 156KB, 1pg.).