South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Advisories
• Advisory Booklet
• Order a Free Booklet
• At-Risk Groups
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Detailed Map
• Mercury vs. PCBs
• Common Fish in SC
• Brochures
• Radio PSAs
• Making Sense of Mercury
• FDA's Seafood Advice
• EPA's National Fish Advisory Database
• Fish Advisories for other States
• Fishing games for Kids & Parents

The Fish Consumption Advisory Program

 

Fish are collected and analyzed each year from:

• Major rivers and streams
• Major lakes and reservoirs
• Estuarine and off-shore species

SC DHEC has issued fish consumption advisories since 1976.

How does DHEC determine if a waterbody should have a Fish Consumption Advisory?

• DHEC tests fish from lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and offshore waters all over South Carolina.
• All samples are tested for certain chemicals to see if the fish are contaminated.
• DHEC analyzes the data and then issues fish consumption advisories where contaminated fish are found.
• Note: Saltwater fish samples are collected through a cooperative effort with SCDNR
• Click here to learn about DHEC's recommendations for those at-risk.

The Advisory Process

(From collection of fish to informing the public about the advisories)

 

Outreach

• Fish Consumption Advisory Booklet
• Updated and mailed out statewide every year
• To order a free advisory booklet, click here for more information.

• Fish Consumption Advisory Website
  ( www.scdhec.gov/fish )
• Updated every year

• Fish Consumption Advisory Information Line
  (1-888-849-7241)
• DHEC maintains a toll-free information line for the Fish Consumption Advisory program.
• The toll-free number is usually directed into a message box where your call will be returned as soon as possible during normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm).
• You can call with one or more of the following issues:
• To ask a question concerning the fish consumption advisories
• To report a sign missing at one of the public boat landings
• To make a comment or suggestion concerning the fish advisory program

• Presentations to the public

• Run radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
• Click here to hear PSA 1
• Click here to hear PSA 2

• Facts about Mercury in Fish Brochure
• Updated and mailed out statewide every year
• Also available in Spanish, Realidades de mercurio en el pescado