Dietary advice for fish from the Shoalhaven River
The NSW Government has released precautionary dietary advice for five fish species caught in the Shoalhaven River, after testing found elevated per and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)* levels in these species.
The advice will help high consumers of Luderick, Sea Mullet, Sand Whiting, Dusky Flathead and Silverbiddy from the identified area, to limit their personal intake of these fish.
The EPA is investigating the source of this PFAS contamination and will continue to update the local commercial and recreational fishing communities. The current advice is:
- Commercial fishers can continue to sell fish they catch in the Shoalhaven River and this fishery remains open.
- Recreational fishers who regularly catch and eat their own fish in the Shoalhaven River can continue to do so safely, but should follow the dietary advice.
For more information on the state-wide PFAS investigation program call the Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/MediaInformation/pfasinvestigation.htm.
Dietary Advice
These tables list the number of serves of a single species that can be eaten each week to limit exposure to half of the health-based guideline value.
Recommended maximum weekly intake for species caught in areas upstream of the Nowra Bridge.
|
|
Servings** per week |
|
|
Species |
Children – 2 to 6 years old |
All other age groups |
|
Luderick |
3 |
6 |
|
Sea Mullet |
3 |
5 |
|
Sand Whiting |
5 |
# |
|
Dusky Flathead |
2 |
4 |
|
Silver Biddy |
1 |
3 |
Recommended maximum weekly intake for species caught in areas downstream of the Nowra Bridge.
|
|
Servings** per week |
|
|
Species |
Children – 2 to 6 years old |
All other age groups |
|
Sea Mullet |
6 |
# |
|
Silver Biddy |
5 |
# |
|
Dusky Flathead |
3 |
# |
**Adult Serving size = 150 grams; Children Serving Size = 75 grams.
Note:
- # No dietary advice is required based on the reported PFOS and PFHxS concentrations. Concentrations were below the adopted trigger values in the samples analysed.
- Consumption of offal in all species should be avoided.
- Species specific information is for when a single species of fish is eaten per week. Eating multiple species would result in a greater exposure.
* Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). As they have heat, water and stain repelling properties, PFAS have been widely used in a range of industrial and consumer products both in Australia and internationally, including in fire retardants, water proofing, food preparation, food packaging, furnishings, clothing and recreational equipment. There is no consistent evidence of any human health effects related to PFAS exposure. However, based on the evidence from animal studies potential adverse health effects cannot be ruled out. The NSW Government is therefore taking a precautionary approach to investigating PFAS and providing advice to the community.