Families can now eat some Hudson River fish for first time in 50 years
State health officials said declining levels of PCBs made it possible to ease long‑standing fish consumption advisories in the stretch of river from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill to the Battery in New York City.
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For the first time in 50 years, families can now eat some fish caught in the Lower Hudson River, including striped bass.
State health officials said declining levels of PCBs made it possible to ease long‑standing fish consumption advisories in the stretch of river from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill to the Battery in New York City.
Officials said updated analysis of PCB levels in several species allowed the changes under highly protective guidelines issued in 2020.
People considered part of a sensitive population, including those who can become pregnant and children under 15, can now have up to one 8‑ounce meal per month of striped bass and select other species from that portion of the river.
The general population can now eat up to four meals per month of certain fish from the Lower Hudson, according to guidance.
Health officials still recommend that carp and smallmouth bass from the Lower Hudson not be eaten due to PCB contamination.
Advisories for fish caught in the Mid‑Hudson River, between the Federal Dam in Troy and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill, remain unchanged.
State officials said catch‑and‑release rules continue to apply between Hudson Falls and the Federal Dam in Troy, where anglers are advised to take no fish and eat no fish.
Because PCBs remain concentrated in fish fat, officials encourage removing the skin and fatty portions and cooking fish so fat drips away, reducing PCB levels by about half.
People who eat Hudson River crabs are advised to remove and discard the tomalley and cooking liquid, which contain most PCBs.
“This is a great day when the Department can relax guidance for certain fish in the lower Hudson River,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
Officials urged anglers to continue checking local guidelines before eating what they catch.
