New in this year’s advisory is the addition of five waters: Duck Creek Lake, Schuy-Rush Lake, Rock Run Rookery, Waukegan South Harbor, and Waverly Lake. Such additions are the result of monitoring to keep Illinoisans safe from possible harmful contaminants to fish.
Moreover, water advisories for six water bodies were revised on the grounds of mercury finding and ongoing PFAS testing. These water bodies include Cedar Lake; Chaminwood Lake; Dongola Lake; Dutchman Lake; Illinois River; Wolf Lake and Indian Creek.
Four bodies of water have seen an easing of their restrictions: the Big Muddy river, Lake Bracken, Monee Reservoir, and Randolph County Lake. This shows an improvement in the overall quality of the water and a decrease in some of the contaminant levels. Specific changes to these restrictions vary by body of water, and can be viewed here.
Although eating fish from Illinois rivers and lakes does not pose an acute health risk, chronic exposure to contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PFAS, and methylmercury, which bioaccumulate in fish tissue, are shown to be harmful. A statewide methylmercury advisory continues to be implemented, especially for susceptible groups. Predatory fish, including bass, walleye, and salmon, should be consumed by nursing, pregnant or potentially pregnant women and children aged 15 years or below in restricted frequency of one or fewer meals per week.
Fishing is part of the culture in Illinois. Recreational and economic, fishing provides sustenance to many in the state. The IDPH also asks that fishers inform themselves about consumption advisories through the Fish Advisory Map, an interactive resource with current guidelines and advisories regarding waters impacted.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of IDPH, emphasized the importance of informed fishing practices, stating, “Fishing in Illinois is a terrific recreational activity that often leads to delicious and nutritious meals. To make sure those catches are the safest possible, please visit IDPH’s Fish Advisory Map to get the most up-to-date information on Illinois’s consumption advisories.”
These fishing advisories play an important role in supporting the efforts of the State of Illinois in assessing water quality and ensuring all residents have access to information. Through these means, the people of Illinois can remain engaged with their fishing activities in a way that maintains their health and safety while enjoying their various fishing endeavors.