To inform the public of unsafe contaminant levels in fish and shellfish
harvested from public waters of Texas, we issue consumption advisories or
possession bans.
Consumption Advisory
Our consumption advisories
may recommend limited or no consumption of fish or aquatic life from a body of
water. This is because tests found contaminants at unsafe levels. Eating more
fish or aquatic life than our consumption advisory recommends may pose
potential human health risks. It is not illegal to harvest fish or aquatic life
from a body of water with a consumption advisory, as long as you follow Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department harvest regulations.
Possession Ban
A possession ban prohibits the taking of fish or aquatic life
from a body of water. These bans are usually because tissue testing indicates
the likelihood of a serious or imminent threat to public health. If you take
fish or aquatic life from a closed or prohibited area, it is a violation of
state law under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Rescinded Consumption Advisory or Possession Ban
A rescinded consumption advisory or possession ban is a cancelled consumption advisory or possession ban.
Testing of Water Bodies
Fish and aquatic life in many Texas bodies of water contain
contaminants. The level of contaminants, if eaten, may pose a threat to human
health. We test fish and aquatic life tissues from Texas public waters to find
contaminant levels. Our testing helps us assess human health risks from
consumption of fish or aquatic life. We also inform the public about unsafe
contaminant levels in fish and aquatic life by issuing consumption advisories
and possession bans (closures).
We do not routinely test fish and aquatic life for unsafe levels
of contaminants from Texas public waters. We also haven’t tested fish and aquatic
life from all Texas public waters. We test fish and aquatic life as resources
allow.
Also See:
Texas Fish Consumption Advisory Program Standard Operating Procedures (PDF, 1.9MB)