Industrial contaminants such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals like mercury (Hg) are present in many waterways in the Pacific Northwest. These contaminants are harmful to humans when ingested and often make their way into human diets through the consumption of resident fish caught in contaminated rivers. The Oregon Health Authority has published advisories for maximum fish consumption throughout Willamette River. Across the length of the river, people are advised to consume no more than four meals per month of resident fish such as carp, bass and catfish. In the Portland Harbor, high levels of PCBs and legacy pesticides found in river sediments result in a stricter advisorty - no more than one meal per month.
This indicator measures how often resident fish can safely be eaten.