Is it safe to eat lake fish?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question, “is it safe to eat lake fish?”. As well, we will discuss what is considered a lake, how can I know if it is safe to fish in a specific lake, how fish are contaminated with pollutants, and other concerns about lake fish. 

Is it safe to eat lake fish?

If it is safe or not to eat lake fish, it will depend on the quality of the water of the specific lake that you are fishing, so before fishing, it is better to know about the quality of the lake. If the water is good, it will be safe to eat fish from the lake.  

Lake is filled with fresh water, however, some lakes are connected to the ocean. Lakes are surrounded by land and can be fed or drained by some river or another waterway. Normally, lakes are present in mountainous, rift zones, places with endorheic basins, and others.

How can I know if it is safe to fish in a specific lake?

There are some lakes that receive treated wastewater, farm drainage, and other types of pollutants. So, before fishing, it is better to talk to your local authorities because they can know if the lake is safe for fishing. You can’t know if the lake is safe to fish just by looking.  

How are fish contaminated with pollutants?

As the fish live in the water, if the water is contaminated, all the living environment will also be contaminated. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the fish can be contaminated in the skin, internal organs, skin, and occasionally in the flesh.

What can happen if I eat fish from a lake that receives pollutants?

Lakes that receive pollutants contain a lot of chemicals that can be very dangerous for the body. According to the EPA, eating contaminated fish can cause liver damage, birth defects, cancer, and other problems.

What fish can I know if it is better to eat?

According to the EPA, you can choose the fish by the size and species, as smaller fish contain fewer pollutants when compared to the largest fish, and younger fish also contain fewer pollutants than adults. 

How can I fish?

If you already checked if it is safe to fish in a specific lake, now you can fish, and below are some tips for ensuring a safe fish and how to manage them while fishing.

  • Don’t catch fish that are visually decaying, as they can contain more microorganisms than fresh fish.   
  • Maintain the fish alive as long you can or catch and keep them in the cooler with ice so that the whole fish is covered;
  • Clean and refrigerate the fish fast, because the meat will keep deteriorating the moments the fish get out of the water, so it’s important to have a cooler with ice to store the fish;    
  • Don’t waste more than 2 hours in the middle of catching and cleaning them, to avoid additional microorganisms growth and deterioration of the flesh; 
  • Clean the fish in a clean place and use just potable water to wash the salmon;
  • If you are not gonna eat the fish soon, you can freeze the fish immediately to preserve it and the salmon will have an extended shelf life.

What are the nutrients of fish?

The fish contains a low-fat value source of high-quality protein. Serve as the font of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (D and B2-riboflavin), and minerals, mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also contain iron, iodine, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. 

What are the health benefits of fish?

The omega-3 fatty acids can be found just in fish, this nutrient is not produced by our organism. Below are some other health benefits of this nutrient. 

  • Nutrients of fish can assist in lowering blood pressure and decreasing the chance of stroke or heart attack, but also helps to maintain the brain healthy;
  • Can lower the chance of ADHD, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes;
  • Can avoid inflammation and lower the chance of arthritis; 
  • Help the infant grow vision and nerves as the fetus is developing inside the mother. 

Can I eat fish every day?

According to Harvard, it is recommended to eat fish two times a week, but in particular, if you are healthy it’s okay to eat fish every day. However, if you are a pregnant woman or a child, it’s better to not eat sizable fish with advanced lifespans, because they may contain more toxins.

What is a recipe for fresh fish?

As fish are consumed worldwide, you can find many recipes on the internet. If you click here, you will check a complete recipe for easy lemon butter with a filet of the fish in 15 mins. 

Other FAQs about Fish that you may be interested in.

Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Ontario?

Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Michigan?

Is it safe to eat fish?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question, “is it safe to eat lake fish?”. As well, we have discussed what is considered a lake, how can I know if it is safe to fish in a specific lake, how fish are contaminated with pollutants, and other concerns about lake fish. 

References

https://www.outdoorgeeky.com/can-you-eat-salmon-after-they-spawn/ Accessed: 05/12/2022

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/is-it-okay-to-eat-fish-every-day/ Accessed: 05/12/2022 

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/11-best-fish-to-ea Accessed: 05/12/2022

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/english_updated_fishbrochure.pdf Accessed: 05/12/2022 

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