Department of Health

Mercury in fish

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Key messages

  • Fish is an important part of a healthy diet.
  • Some varieties of fish (commercially sold or caught recreationally) may contain high levels of mercury.
  • Mercury can be harmful if too much of it is ingested.
  • Food Standards Australia New Zealand provide advice on the number of serves of commercially sold fish that people should eat.
  • In those locations in Victoria where recreationally caught fish are known to contain high levels of mercury, the Environment Protection Authority provides location specific advice.
  • In the absence of advice for recreationally caught fish for a particular location, continue to follow the Food Standards Australia New Zealand advice and eat fish from a wide range of sources.

Fish is an important part of a healthy diet providing many nutritional benefits for pregnant women, young children and the general population. However, some varieties of fish (commercially sold or caught recreationally) may contain high levels of mercury.

Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy, and infants and young children should limit the number of servings they eat of fish containing high levels of mercury. This is because the developing brain of the unborn child and young children are sensitive to mercury exposure.

Mercury in fish

Fish are high in protein and other essential nutrients, low in saturated fat and contain omega-3 fatty acids. As part of a healthy diet, everyone is encouraged to eat two to three serves of fish per week.

People take in small amounts of mercury in their diet from eating fish. In most fish, the levels are very low. However, some varieties contain high levels of mercury due to their feeding habits or surrounding environment.

Commercially sold fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.

In freshwater environments containing mercury, some species of fish may contain high levels of mercury. This is more likely in fish that are predatory (eat other fish) and that live a long time in mercury-containing environments.

Further information

See your local doctor if you or a member of your family have health concerns.

For information about recreational fishing and mercury visit the Environment Protection Authority Victoria's website or contact the EPA on 1300 372 842.

Environmental health

Gippsland Lakes - Mercury in fish study

In May 2015, the Victorian Government commenced a field study into levels of mercury in fish from the Gippsland Lakes.

Reviewed 06 August 2024

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Environmental Health Science & Policy Department of Health

environmental.healthunit@health.vic.gov.au
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