Fish are very nutritious, but industrial activities have contaminated some fish species with mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other pollutants, which can be especially harmful to the brain and mental development of a fetus or young child. However, the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are also important to good health.
Farm-raised fish may also have high concentrations of environmental contaminants such as PCBs because they were fed contaminated fish feed. Many fish species have been over-fished, leading to the near collapse of fisheries around the world.
What you can do
Pick the right fish to eat. The best bet is to use one of the pocket-sized fish guides whenever you go food shopping or to a restaurant (see Resources below). They make deciding on the right fish easier. As much as possible, choose fish that are both low in mercury and other contaminants and have not been overfished. Some of these guides provide information on both issues.
