vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Fash and Shellfish Program newsletter
Juiy 2024
EPA 820N24004
In This Issue
Recent Advisory News 1
EPA News 6
Other News 10
Recently Awarded Research... 14
Tech and Tools 18
Recent Publications 20
Upcoming Meetings and
Conferences 21
Recent Advisory News
R Kansas Fish Consumption Advisories for
2024
On January 8, 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas
Department of Wildlife and Parks (collectively, "Kansas") issued fish consumption
advisories for 2024. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic
species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether
because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the
public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with
eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.
Definitions/Servings:
Bottom-feeding fish: buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers
This newsletter provides information
only. This newsletter does not
impose legally binding requirements
on the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), states, tribes, other
regulatory authorities, orthe
regulated community. The Office of
Science and Technology, Office of
Water, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has approved this newsletter
for publication. Mention of trade
names, products, or services does
not convey and should not be
interpreted as conveying official EPA
approval, endorsement, or
recommendation for use.
httos: / /www.epa.eov/fish-tech
Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish
Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):
Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces
Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:
There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and
consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of
mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing
children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including
store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore,
mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may
become pregnant, and children 17 or younger) should follow the guidelines
presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.
This newsletter provides a bimonthly summary of news about fish and shellfish
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Fishing and Eating Guidelines:
Eat smaller portions a fillet about the size of your palm.
Eat fish species with less
mercury (see "Preferred Choice
Fish" chart).
If you don't know what type or
size of fish you've eaten, wait at
least one week before eating
fish again.
When fishing, keep fish shorter
than your forearm (fingertips to
elbow) or less than 20 inches,
as regulations allow.
Visit Fishing Regulations /
Fishing / KDWP - KDWP
(ksoutdoors.com) for more
information.
Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than 20 inches to:
Preferred Choice Fish not more than 1 serving per week
Second Choice Fish not more than 1 serving per month
For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about
mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the EPA and U.S. Food
and Drug Administration EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA website.
Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the
following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):
Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence
with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the
following locations because of PCBs:
Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Preferred Choice Fish
Servings
Blue and channel catfish
Common carp
Crapples
White bass, white perch, wiper, striped bass
1 or 2 Der week
Walleye, sauger, saugeye
Bullhead catfish
drum
Sunflsh (blueglll, green, redear, etc.)
Second Choice Fish
Servings
Buffalo (black, blgmouth, smallmouth)
Flathead catfish
1 or 2 Der month
Bass (largemounth, small mouth, and spotted)
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter July 2024
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to l serving per month from the
following location because of arsenic:
Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington
County).
Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:
Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides
dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County) Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic
life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.
Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin
Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the
Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
Mill Creek from Washington (below 18th Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River
(Washington County); shellfish due to arsenic.
Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead
and cadmium.
Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee
County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
Waterbodies affected by harmful algae blooms:
To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest
the fish are safe to eat. However, please take the following precautions:
Avoid skin contact with water.
Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
Rinse fish with clean water.
Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
Eat only skinless fillets.
Do not eat shellfish.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
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General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish:
Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go.
Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or
immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention
ponds.
Other information from KDHE, KDWP, the EPA and the American Heart Association:
To view the advisories online and for information about KDHE's Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring
Program Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE. KS.
For information about fishing in Kansas including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts Fishing
in Kansas I KDWP.
For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit Eating fish twice a week
reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association.
For technical information regarding the EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption
limits, visit EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA.
For more information, contact Jack Lapin at Jack.Lapin@ks.gov or 785-296-6220.
Source: https://\v\vw.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=Q4°,
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
South Dakota Department of Health Issues New Fish
Consumption Advisories Following Comprehensive
Sampling
South Dakota Department of Health Issues New Fish Consumption Advisories Following Comprehensive
Sampling
On January 10, 2024, the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Department of
Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and Game, Fish & Parks (GFP), announced the completion of its
annual fish collection and sampling program. This joint effort aims to assess the safety of fish consumption in
various water bodies across the state.
"Our commitment to public health and safety drives the annual fish sampling program," said Department of Health
(DOH) Secretary, Melissa Magstadt. "The collaboration between the DOH, DANR, and GFP ensures that South
Dakotans have the most up-to-date information regarding fish consumption advisories."
The DOH encourages the public to stay informed about these advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure
the health and well-being of themselves and their families. The recommended advisories are as follows:
Reid Lake (Clark County) 32"> Northern Pike advisory, in addition to the existing >23" Walleye advisory.
Horseshoe Lake (Day County) i8"> advisory on Walleye.
Cottonwood Lake (Spink County) 2i"> advisory for Walleye.
These advisories are based on mercury concentrations found in the fish samples and are aimed at providing the
public with essential information to make informed decisions about their dietary choices. The mercury found in fish
tissue is mostly from atmospheric deposition from sources outside of South Dakota.
"We encourage everyone to check the DOH website for the latest advisories and take necessary precautions when
enjoying locally caught fish," said Magstadt.
The DOH is rolling this out statewide to all offices and partnering with the Department of Social Services to provide
additional training and resources for their staff and office buildings. Naloxone boxes were deployed throughout the
State Capitol Building as part of this initiative.
For more information and the complete list of state Fish Consumption Advisories, please visit the DOH website.
At the heart of the DOH's mission is a simple yet profound goal: to protect and improve the health of all South
Dakotans. The Department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease and ensuring
access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans across our great state.
For more information, contact Aaron Leingang, SD DANR, at 605-773-3351, John Lott, SD GFP, at 605-773-4508,
or John Osburn, SD DOH, at 605-394-6064.
Source: https://doh.sd.gov/news/south-dakota-depaitment-of-health-issues-new-fish-consumption-advisories-
following-comprehensive-sampling/
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Health Officials Update Fish Consumption Guidance for
Mississippi River South of Saint Paul Metro Area
On March 22, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued new and updated guidance
on fish consumption for the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Wabasha, due to a mixture of
pollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in fish tissue.
The new guidance, issued with support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), applies to U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool. U.S. Lock & Dam #3
Pool and U.S. Lock & Dam #4 Pool, including all of the Minnesota lakes and backwaters. It recommends that:
People who are or may become pregnant, people who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, and children under
age 15 do not eat fish from these locations.
People not planning to become pregnant and those over age 15 limit fish consumption to one serving a month from
these locations.
The guidance for Pools 3 and 4 is new, and the guidance for Pool 2 is more stringent than guidance issued last
summer. MPCA provided the data to toxicologists and risk assessors at MDH, who then updated the fish
consumption guidance.
"For most people, fish are part of a nutritious, well-balanced diet, because they provide a good source of protein and
are rich in essential vitamins and minerals," MDH Assistant Commissioner Myra Kunas said, "but the Minnesota
Department of Health encourages people to limit their intake of fish from certain waterbodies to avoid potential
negative health impacts."
PFAS are harmful chemicals that have been widely used for decades and do not break down in the environment.
They can accumulate not just in fish but also in people, and they have been linked to developmental effects in
children as well as various cancers. Minnesota has therefore been taking action to eliminate PFAS.
The state has begun to implement a new state law prohibiting PFAS in products, also known as Amara's Law, which
the State Legislature passed and Governor Tim Walz signed in 2023. The law ends avoidable PFAS use in
Minnesota by 2032, with prohibitions on PFAS in certain categories of products beginning in 2025.
MDH, DNR and MPCA work together to review scientific information about PFAS and other contaminants in
waterbodies and fish and their potential impact on human health in order to provide Minnesotans with the
information they need to make informed choices for the health and safety of their family.
For more information on fishing opportunities in Minnesota where waterbodies have been tested and identified as
low-PFAS alternatives, see MDH's Fish Consumption Guidance.
For more information, contact Angela Preimesberger, MDH Fish Consumption Guidance Lead, at
angela.preimesberger(o>state.mn.us and 651-201-4243.
Source: https://www.healtb.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/fisho^2224.html#NaN
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
EPA News
EPA Determines that Alaska's Water Quality Standards Need to be
Updated Based on More Accurate Fish Consumption Rates to
Protect Communities from Toxic Pollution
On June 6, 2024, the EPA announced a determination that Alaska's water quality standards need to be updated to
more accurately reflect the amount of fish Alaskans consume. This action requires Alaska to revise its limits on toxic
pollutants in the state's waters to ensure that eating fish supports healthy people and communities. The EPA's
determination sets the agency on a path to issuing a federal backstop in the event that Alaska does not strengthen
the state's water quality standards to protect residents.
"EPA continues to engage closely with the state of Alaska to ensure its communities, many of which rely on fish and
shellfish for subsistence, are safer from pollution," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water
Bruno Pigott. "Alaskans eat more salmon and other fish and shellfish than the average American. That's why it's
important to update the science and analyses that underpin federal and state standards that protect water quality
and ensure that it's safe to eat fish."
This Determination stems from long-standing concerns that the fish consumption rate used in Alaska's existing
human health criteria does not reflect the fish consumption patterns of Alaska residents, including rural and Tribal
consumers. Alaska's existing water quality standards, which were last updated in 2003, are based on the national
default fish consumption rate at that time of approximately seven ounces per month. Data from several sources
indicate that actual fish consumption rates for Alaska residents, including Alaska Native and rural subsistence
consumers, likely range from 7-14 ounces per day. Updated water quality standards in Alaska will reflect the latest
scientific information, including a more accurate fish consumption rate and toxicity of various pollutants.
If the state does not submit revised water quality standards, the EPA plans to propose new and revised standards
for Alaska that will take this updated data into account and protect those who eat salmon and other fish and
shellfish from the state's waters. The EPA will seek input from the public on the proposed rule and will consider all
comments received before proceeding to the final rule stage.
Water quality standards define the water quality goals for a waterbody and provide a regulatory basis for many
actions under the Clean Water Act, including reporting on water quality conditions and status; developing water
quality-based effluent limits in discharge permits for point-sources; and setting pollution targets for a state's water
bodies.
To learn more about the effort to update Alaska's water quality standards to better protect human health go
to: https://www.epa.gov/was-tech/water-qualitv-standards-protect-human-health-alaska
For more information, contact no press team@epa.gov.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-determines-alaskas-water-qualitv-standards-need-be-updated-
based-more-accurate
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
EPA Releases Information that States and Tribes Can Use to Protect
Local Fish from Toxic Tire Chemicals
On June 10, 2024, the EPA published water quality screening values under the Clean Water Act related to short-
term concentrations of N-(i,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-
q). These chemicals have been found in freshwater ecosystems and linked to runoff from automotive tire dust and
debris. Once in freshwater, these chemicals are known toxins that can quickly cause fish-kill events. The EPA's non-
regulatory and non-binding screening values provide information that Tribes, states, and local governments can use
to monitor their waterways and help protect aquatic life from these harmful pollutants.
"Achieving clean water that protects aquatic life and supports commercial, recreational, and cultural fishing
practices takes partnership at all levels of government," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water
Bruno Pigott. "6PPD and 6PPD-q can be lethal to fish, so it's important we know where it's polluting waterways.
The EPA's screening values provide important information that our partners can use to protect fish populations
especially coho salmon on the Pacific coast. Solutions like stormwater treatment and green infrastructure are
effective at reducing concentrations of these chemicals in freshwater ecosystems."
This is the latest in a series of EPA actions to better understand and reduce freshwater aquatic life exposure to these
harmful chemicals. In November 202°,. the agency committed to consider establishing regulations prohibiting the
manufacturing, processing, use and distribution of 6PPD in tires and also announced its intent to publish an
advanced notice of proposed rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPA also announced plans to
finalize a rule to require manufacturers (including importers) of 6PPD to report lists and copies of unpublished
health and safety studies to the agency. In January 2024. the EPA announced the publication of a draft testing
method to help Tribes, states, and key stakeholders determine where and when 6PPD-q is present in local
stormwater and surface waters. In March 2024. the agency announced investments in the state of Washington to
help treat and control stormwater runoff that can contain 6PPD and 6PPD-q.
The EPA's screening values are based on the latest scientific knowledge about the short-term toxicity of 6PPD and
6PPD-q to freshwater aquatic life. Based on current science, the agency believes that concentrations of 6PPD and
6PPD-q at or below these screening values are likely to protect freshwater aquatic life. The EPA's recommended
screening values are not regulations and they do not impose any legally binding requirements.
Learn more about the EPA's screening values for 6PPD and 6PPD-q and other work on 6PPD-q.
For more information, contact press@epa.gov.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-information-states-and-tribes-can-use-protect-local-fish-
toxic-tire
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
EPA Releases New Science-Based Recommendations to Help More
States, Tribes, and Territories Reduce Exposure to PFAS in Fish
On July 11, 2024, the EPA issued updated recommendations under the Clean Water Act for contaminants that
states, Tribes, and territories should consider monitoring in locally caught, freshwater fish. For the first time, the
EPA has added several PFAS to the contaminant list alongside lead, three cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and
amphetamine. The recommendation to monitor for twelve PFAS fulfills a key commitment in Administrator
Regan's PFAS Strategic Roadmap and helps protect communities from exposure to these "forever chemicals."
"It's important for EPA to continue advancing the science on PFAS as part of our comprehensive effort to protect
the public from these harmful substances," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno
Pigott. "By considering the latest science in their local advisories and testing for PFAS in fish at a local level, states
and Tribes can protect subsistence, recreational, and sport fishers."
States, Tribes, and territories monitor and analyze contaminants in fish and shellfish caught in local, fresh
waterbodies. When they find contaminants at concentrations that can negatively impact people's health, they issue
consumption advisories. Some state and territorial programs that issue fish and shellfish advisories rely on the
EPA's recommendations to determine which contaminants to monitor.
Many states are already monitoring for certain PFAS in fish and using local data to issue fish consumption
advisories where appropriate. Examples of states that have advisories in place include Alabama, Connecticut,
Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.
With this announcement, the EPA is suggesting that states, Tribes, and territories monitor for twelve PFAS and
other contaminants including lead, cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and amphetamine. This update comes after
reviewing scientific literature, analyzing data, and seeking external peer review of the agency's analysis, and it will
help ensure that state and Tribal fish advisories consider the latest science.
The EPA's most recent National Aquatic Resource Survey, which monitors fish tissue from lakes and streams across
the country, and numerous other studies have found PFAS in freshwater fish and shellfish at levels that may impact
human health. These studies indicate the presence of PFAS in fish, but they do not give enough information at a
local level to inform public health decisions, which is why the role of states, Tribes, and territories in gathering local
data is essential.
The EPA recommends that people who eat locally-caught, freshwater fish and shellfish caught in local rivers and
lakes consult their state, Tribe, or territory to determine the safe amount of those fish and shellfish to eat.
View the EPA's lists of contaminants to monitor and learn more about EPA Guidance for Developing Fish
Advisories.
For more information, contact press@epa.gov.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-new-science-based-recommendations-help-more-states-
tribes-and-territories
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
EPA Releases Final Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Assessment of Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA) and Related Salts
On July 14, 2024, the EPA's IRIS Program posted the IRIS Toxicological Review of Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)
and Related Salts. Now final, the IRIS assessment of PFDA can be used to support a variety of decision-making
needs across EPA's program offices, regions, and state agencies. The toxicity assessment is posted on the IRIS
website.
View the EPA's final assessment of perfluorodecanoic acid.
For more information, contact Dahnish Shams at ghams.dahnish@epa.gov.
Other News
Grantee Shines New Light on Cause of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning
On April 24,2024, keystone Lecturer Alison Robertson, Ph.D., shared how tracking toxic algae in the
marine food web can help to prevent ciguatera outbreaks.
Ciguatera poisoning is the most common non-bacterial
seafood-borne illness in the world. More than 50,000 cases
are reported annually, but scientists think that the true
numbers may be much higher, because the symptoms
vomiting, diarrhea, tingling, muscle weakness and pain, and
tactile sensitivity to cold can be easily mistaken for other
seafood illnesses.
During a February 27, 2024 Keystone Science Lecture, Alison
Robertson. Ph.D.. described her team's efforts to track the
accumulation and movement of ciguatoxins the source of
ciguatera poisoning in reef food webs across the world.
There is no diagnostic test for ciguatoxins, which is why
tracking their movement is so important.
"On a weekly basis, our team is contacted about poisoning outbreaks that are happening among people who have
eaten seafood and ended up sick," said Robertson, an associate professor at the University of South Alabama and
senior marine scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. "We've seen an increase in the number of these reports at
our lab, because not a lot is known about ciguatera, and people are desperate to find answers."
Her team is interested in understanding how, when, and why the microscopic marine algae produce these potent
neurotoxins, and how fish metabolize and respond to them when exposed. By tracing this complicated food web,
they aim to develop better methods of predicting and monitoring ciguatoxin buildup in the environment and
ultimately improve seafood safety.
Robertson found that the algae species called Gambierdiscus
silvae shown here under light microscopy - produced
1,000 times more ciguatoxin than the least toxic variety.
(Photo courtesy of Alison Robertson)
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"Dr. Robertson demonstrated that understanding the delicate balance of the aquatic, ecosystem and marine life is
crucial to answering some long-standing questions about ciguatera poisoning in humans around the globe that are
pertinent for the development of prevention strategies," said Anika Dzierlenga. Ph.D.. a scientific program director
in the Genes, Environment, and Health Branch and lecture host. "Her work is an excellent example of One Health
research capturing the interrelatedness of environmental, animal, and human health."
Fish and invertebrates can accumulate toxins if they have been feeding in
an area that contains toxic algae. (Photo courtesy of Alison Robertson)
Uncovering the source
Robertson explained ciguatoxins first enter the food web
when they are produced by some algae of the genera
Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa that live on degraded
surfaces, as well as sea grasses and macroalgae in coral
reefs. These microscopic algae are eaten by a wide variety
of fish and marine invertebrates, which are, in turn,
consumed by other reef predators, such as triggerfish,
snappers, and grouper. If the fish have been feeding in an
area where ciguatoxins are being produced locally, they
also have the potential to bioaccumulate ciguatoxins and
cause ciguatera if consumed by people.
In tracing ciguatoxin movement in the marine food web, Robertson and her collaborative team identified for the
first time the specific type of algal ciguatoxin a neurotoxin called Caribbean CTX-5 that caused ciguatera in the
Caribbean.
"We had identified Gambierdiscus silvae as the likely algal source species (along with a few others), but we had not
yet worked out the toxin it was producing," Robertson said. "Through strong partnerships and collaborations with
the National Research Council and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, we were finally able to uncover the toxins
responsible, which makes tracing them through the environment a realistic goal, and something many in the field
have been chasing for decades."
Next steps
Given the lack of pre-market fish testing, diagnostic testing, and medication available to treat ciguatera poisoning,
Robertson said she hopes her research will lead to more robust environmental monitoring of CTX-5 and other fish
metabolites of the ciguatoxins to reduce ciguatera outbreaks in vulnerable communities.
"If money was 110 object, we would have teams in the water in all heavily impacted areas trying to do spatial surveys
of the algae," Robertson said. "Fishermen know quite a lot about areas that are causing illness, and they're avoiding
them. I would like to see teams that can integrate environmental sampling and monitoring with geospatial analysis
and fisheries science to get to some kind of predictive capacity."
For more information, contact webcenter@niehs.nih.gov or Christine Bruske Flowers at bruskec@niehs.nih.gov.
Source: https://factor.niehs.nih.g0v/2024/4/feature/:i-feature-ciguatera-seaf00d-D0is0nmg
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
First-Ever Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction in Texas
San Antonio River Authority and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Make History with First-Ever
Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction In Texas
On May 22, 2024, USFWS announced tha, the San Antonio River Authority and USFWS released freshwater
mussels raised by Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery into the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River just south of
downtown San Antonio. This historic event marked the first time hatchery-produced freshwater mussels have ever
been reintroduced into the wild in Texas.
"As stewards of the San Antonio River Basin, the River Authority recognizes the importance of conserving and
restoring freshwater mussel populations for the benefit of both our environment and our communities," said Jim
Campbell, San Antonio River Authority Chairman of the Board.
"Through collaboration with national organizations like the
USFWS we are able to pioneer scientific research and conservation
efforts that will help safeguard the natural heritage of our region."
"This is an exciting milestone that's been a few years in the
making," said Amy Lueders, the Service's Southwest Regional
Director. "Freshwater mussels are really challenging to propagate.
They take a lot of work and innovation, and certainly there was a
lot of innovation and persistence from both the Inks Dam National
Fish Hatchery and the biologists at the San Antonio River
Authority. We look forward to learning a lot and building on this
success."
The yellow sandshell mussels were grown at Inks Dam National
Fish Hatchery in Burnet, Texas through a contract established with the San Antonio River Authority and USFWS in
2019. Like other national fish hatcheries across the country, the mission at Inks Dam is to both improve
recreational fishing and restore aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and important to the health of our
aquatic systems. The freshwater mussel propagation program at Inks Dam represents a relatively new facet of this
mission and has evolved rapidly since its initiation in 2017.
Next, Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery hopes to transfer juveniles of three more contract mussel species, including
pistolgrip, pimpleback, and threeridge, to the San Antonio River Authority for reintroduction to the Mission Reach.
Propagated juvenile pistolgrip currently growing at Inks Dam have reached developmental milestones and could be
ready for reintroduction to the San Antonio River as early as this summer.
Freshwater mussels help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems, because they are one of nature's greatest natural
filtration systems. In addition to protecting and improving water quality, they can also help stabilize the banks of
rivers during high flow events.
Austin Davis, Senior Aquatic Biologist with the San Antonio
River Authority, releases a freshwater mussel raised by Inks
Dam National Fish Hatchery into the Mission Reach of the San
Antonio River just south of downtown San Antonio. (Photo
courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
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"They burrow into the substrate, and they filter the water and can clean the water," said Austin Davis, Senior
Aquatic Biologist with the San Antonio River Authority. "That's why we're happy to have them here. It's a good sign
of high-quality habitat and high-quality water here in the Mission Reach."
Like other mussel species across the country, Bexar County's native mussel populations are vulnerable to threats
like habitat loss and have been in decline over the years. To help combat this decline and restore their habitat, the
San Antonio River Authority's engineers and scientists have been implementing targeted water quality
enhancement efforts in area waterways.
Thanks to these efforts, the River Authority said the Mission
Reach of the San Antonio River is in a state that can support
healthy freshwater mussel populations. Beginning in July, the
team will be releasing another 5,000 freshwater mussels in what
they call "a significant milestone in the River Authority's mission
to preserve and enhance the San Antonio River Basin for
generations to come."
A portion of the mussels released into the San Antonio River are
being marked with tags which researchers will use to monitor
their populations. In the coming years, the passive integrated
transponder tags and underwater snorkeling and diving visual surveys will reveal if the released mussels are
thriving, reproducing, and establishing new populations.
Davis said his favorite part of the process so far has been watching the "teeny tiny" mussels that come from the
hatchery at just over 1111111 long grow into adults ready to be released into the San Antonio River.
"We get to watch them grow up to be about 20mm which is the size we are actually putting into the river," Davis
said. "Seeing this really delicate organism grow from such a small fragile size to being a self-sustaining, self-
sufficient individual is really fun."
Other organizations involved with the historic release include Utah State University, The Meadows Center for Water
and the Environment, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In addition to releasing freshwater mussels, the San Antonio River Authority was recently awarded $1,000,000
through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law National Fish Passage Program to remove Otilla Dam in the San Antonio
River. Built in the 1920's for irrigation, the dam is in a state of disrepair from years of use and degradation over
time and has become a safety hazard and complete barrier for all aquatic species. The project will improve public
safety, reduce flood risk, and reconnect 30 miles of upstream river habitat for recreation and aquatic species like
freshwater mussels.
For more information, contact 1-800-344-WILD or Aubry Buzek at aubry buzek@fvvs.gov or 512-962-0289.
Source: https://www.fws.gov/storv/2024-oc;/first-ever-freshwater-mussel-reintroduction-texas
Yellow sandshell freshwater mussels priorto release. (Photo
courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Recently Awarded Research
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces $2.4 Million in
Grants Benefiting Freshwater Species and Working Lands in the
Southeastern United States
Eight projects will benefit freshwater species in targeted watersheds
On December 6, 2023, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $2.4 million in grants to
restore and enhance aquatic habitats to improve populations of imperiled native freshwater aquatic species in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. The grants will leverage $1.8 million in matching contributions for a
total conservation impact of $4.2 million.
The grants were awarded through the Southeast Aquatics Fund, a competitive grant program and public-private
partnership with funding provided this year by six different funders, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service, the USFWS, Cargill, Nestle and Southern
Company.
"The Southeast is a hotspot for global aquatic biodiversity, and these projects will help safeguard this incredibly
valuable resource," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "By improving conditions in-stream
and across the landscape, these grants will address threats to aquatic species at multiple scales."
The projects supported by the eight grants will utilize a variety of conservation strategies to positively impact native
freshwater species. These strategies include restoring rivers and streams, reducing harmful runoff, conserving
stream flow, and assessing species and habitat conditions to prioritize future restoration actions. Several projects
will also work with landowners to adopt voluntary practices that conserve aquatic habitat by improving water
quality.
"America's farms, ranches, and private forests provide important aquatic habitat," said NRCS Chief Terry Cosby.
"The public-private partnerships sustained by these grants will help support farmers and ranchers as they help
protect these habitats and improve water quality through voluntary conservation."
"We are proud to engage in partnerships to promote healthy aquatic ecosystems and improve freshwater wildlife
diversity," said Regional Forester Ken Arney, for the Forest Service's Southern Region. "Managing our resources
together across all lands enables us to achieve the most impactful and beneficial restoration."
"The Service is proud to support aquatic conservation efforts in the Southeast's natural areas," said Mike Oetker,
the USFWS acting regional director. "These restoration efforts will help recover several endangered and threatened
species, and conserve many at-risk species, only found in this regionwhile also balancing working lands and
community goals."
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July 2024
Importantly, 196,000 acres of working lands will be improved by these grants through voluntary agricultural best
management practices and innovative grazing lands management which will filter water, improve soil health, and
even improve the carbon sequestration capacity of the land. Additionally, by improving the quality of forage on
grazing lands through improved management, these projects will increase the carrying capacity of the land resulting
in higher yield. This slate of projects will benefit aquatic species including the striped bass, bridled darter, trispot
darter, blue shiner, Alabama rainbow mussel and oval pigtoe mussel.
"The aquatic diversity in the southeastern United States is unrivaled," said Jesalyn McCurry, Southern Company's
environmental stewardship manager. "It's important we protect natural resources in the communities we serve,
which is why we are thankful for the Southeast Aquatics conservation partnerships."
Launched in 2017, the Southeast Aquatics Fund supports voluntary watershed-based restoration and improved
management of aquatic systems and secure populations of native freshwater aquatic species. Including this year's
grants, the program has awarded $10.5 million to 46 conservation projects expected to benefit more than 700,000
acres of working lands and riparian areas and restored more than 60 miles of the most biodiverse stream habitat in
the world.
A complete list of the 2023 grants made through the Southeast Aquatics Fund is available here. Information
regarding the 2024 Request for Proposals can be found here.
For more information, contact Rob Blumenthal at rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org or 202-857-0166.
Source: https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/press-releases/nfwf-announces-2-4-million-grants-benefiting-
freshwater-species-and-working-lands-southeastern
Exploring Innovative Strategies to Reduce Red Snapper Discards
On June 3,2024, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries recommended
nearly $900,000 in funding for projects that will reduce discards and increase fishing opportunities.
Fishing is a favorite pastime and an economic driver, especially in the Southeast. NOAA Fisheries recognized that
recreational and commercial fishers, fishery managers, and others are frustrated by short fishing seasons for South
Atlantic red snapper and high levels of dead discards. Last year the season was just 2 days.
The most recent South Atlantic red snapper population assessment indicates the species is recovering. However, it
is experiencing too much fishing mortalitylargely as a result of the number of fish that are discarded and
subsequently die.
"We understand anglers are frustrated. We as managers are also frustrated and see the need for new, innovative
management strategies to reduce snapper-grouper dead discards, including red snapper," said Andy Strelcheck,
NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Administrator. "We also need to better realize the social and economic benefits
for the snapper-grouper fishery, and provide additional fishing opportunities as we recover fish stocks."
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
NOAA Fisheries recommended five projects for funding, totaling $879,211. These projects will explore new,
innovative approaches to better understand and reduce red snapper dead discards, and increase fishing
opportunities in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery.
Projects Recommended for Funding
The projects below outline the scope of work, the organization doing the work, and the amount requested to
complete the projects.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is requesting $209,683 to support a project characterizing
South Carolina charter and private recreational red snapper fishing behavior, catch, and discard composition.
Mote Marine Laboratory
Mote Marine Laboratory is requesting $144,666 for portable electronic monitoring systems to support innovative
technology data collection in the South Atlantic recreational snapper-grouper fishery.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requesting a total of $502,862 to fund three projects.
They will look at ways to reduce red snapper and snapper-grouper discards and improve angler satisfaction using
their Hot Spot, Florida Snapper-Grouper, and Red Snapper Full Retention Study Fleets.
These three projects require an Exempted Fishing Permit. They would test management strategies that could:
Reduce discards of red snapper and other managed snapper grouper species
Create additional opportunities to participate in sustainable recreational harvest
Improve angler satisfaction
Fishery managers and scientists could use the results of the studies to reduce recreational dead discards and
increase fishing opportunities in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. If granted, the permits would
authorize a limited recreational harvest of red snapper outside of the federal recreational season in South Atlantic
federal waters. It would also exempt that harvest from the recreational bag and possession limits, recreational
annual catch limits, and accountability measures. If granted, the permits would be valid from the date of issuance
through June 31, 2025.
All studies will require the cooperation and participation of private recreational anglers and charter captains.
Through this collaborative work, our goal is to gather information and data to better quantify and reduce discards,
improve fishing opportunities, and inform future management. Funding these projects is a crucial part of a
multiple-part plan to improve management.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Other Efforts to Evaluate and Enhance Data Collection
In addition to the funded projects, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is going to conduct a
Management Strategy Evaluation of the snapper-grouper fishery. These evaluations allow scientists and managers
to evaluate and test various management strategies to determine how best they will perform and meet management
goals. In addition, the South Atlantic Red Snapper Research Program will produce an independent estimate of the
population size of red snapper aged 2 years and older from North Carolina to Florida. This study will help inform
the next population assessment for red snapper.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is also continuing to evaluate management actions to end the
overfishing of red snapper, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. NOAA notified the Council in summer 2021
that overfishing was occurring, but it has yet to take action to end the overfishing of red snapper.
For more information, contact the NOAA Southeast Regional Office, 727-824-5301 or Allison Garrett at
Allison.Garrett@noaa.gov.
Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-storv/exploring-innovative-strategies-reduce-red-snapper-
discards
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Tech and Tools
Summary of Technical Paper No. 498
In February 2024, the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (ADF&G) published Technical Paper No. 498,
entitled Clam Reintrodaction in Chenega, Alaska: A Mixed-
Methods Approach to Recovery
The project focused on assessing and enhancing clam
populations in Prince William Sound community of
Chenega, aiming to support sustainable subsistence
practices. Clam populations have declined across the
Sound, impacting Chenega residents who rely on them. A
collaborative effort involving Chugach Regional Resources
Commission's Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI),
ADF&G Division of Subsistence, the Chenega Indian
Reorganization Act (IRA) Council, and Chenega community
members sought to inform shellfish management through
comprehensive research.
PVC pipes planted on transect line for predator control.
(Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and
Wooden frames (beal boxes) used for predator control at Airport
Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game)
Key objectives included identifying suitable beaches for clam
reintroduction, collecting environmental data on potential clam
habitats, and integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge
(TEK) with modern scientific approaches. ADF&G researchers
mapped clam harvest areas and developed a Habitat Suitability
Index (HSI) model, enhancing understanding of clam habitat
preferences. APMI established a shellfish sanctuary at Crab Bay's
Airport Beach, informed by local knowledge and HSI predictions,
aiming to balance accessibility for harv esters with ideal clam
habitat conditions.
The project successfully spawned and reared juvenile butter and
Pacific littleneek clams at accelerated rates compared to previous
hatchery operations. However, predation emerged as a
significant issue, prompting the use of predator control
structures like PVC pipes and wood framed boxes to protect
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Chenega Subsistence
Shellfish Recovery
I
f >
y
- / o
juvenile clams. The effectiveness of these measures varied, highlighting the need for alternative predator control
strategies such as beach netting.
Community engagement was integral, w ith household surveys confirming long-term clam use and harvest
traditions spanning decades, except for the three years following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. TEK interviews
emphasized the importance of beach accessibility and timing of clam harvesting during large minus tides.
Environmental assessments of Crab Bay's beaches indicated favorable conditions for both butter and Pacific
littleneck clams, though
predation risk highlights
the complexity of the
ecosystem management
strategies.
This project underscored
the ongoing cultural and
ecological importance of
clams to Chenega
residents while
demonstrating the
potential for integrating
TEK with scientific
models to enhance
habitat management.
Challenges such as
predation control and
broodstock availability
highlighted the need for
a - i *5% -
, J \ >
\ ^
IIlK-*
Pacific littleneck clam
habitat suitability
model
Most suitable
Suitable
Unsuitable
I 1 Littleneck dam
¦ harvest areas
Sen icc Layer Credits:
Source: Esri. Maxar.
Earthstar Geographies, and
the GIS User Community
HSI Model Results showing habitat sustainability in Sawmill Bay area and harvest areas, Pacific littleneck dams.
{Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game )
adaptive management strategies. Moving forward, sustained collaboration between researchers, local communities,
and management agencies will be crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of clam populations near
communities in Prince William Sound.
For more information, contact Annette Jarosz at annette@alutiiqprideak.org.
Source: https://mvw.adfg.alaska.gov/techpap/TP4Q8.pdf
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Recent Publications
Journal Articles
The list below provides a selection of research articles.
~ Evaluating Contamination of Seafood Purchased from U.S. Retail Stores bv Persistent Environmental Pollutants. Pesticides and Veterinary
Drugs
Bedi, M., Y. Sapozhnikova, and C. Ng. 2024. Evaluating Contamination of Seafood Purchased from U.S. Retail Stores by Persistent
Environmental Pollutants, Pesticides and Veterinary Drugs. Food Additives and Contaminants: Part A: 1-14.
~ Safe and Sustainable Fish and Seafood System and Per-and Polv-Fluorinated Substances Occurrence: The Role of PFAS Toxicity in the
Assessment
Brambilla, G. 2024. Safe and Sustainable Fish and Seafood System and Per-and Poly-Fluorinated Substances Occurrence: The
Role of PFAS Toxicity in the Assessment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.1-7.
~ Patterns of Seafood Consumption among New Hampshire Residents Suggest Potential Exposure to Per-and Polvfluoroalkvl Substances
Crawford, K.A., L.G. Gallagher, N.G. Giffard, C.L. Gardiner, T. Keirns, S. Fernando, T.M. Holsen, J.M. Petali, C.Y. Chen, and M.E.
Romano. 2024. Patterns of Seafood Consumption among New Hampshire Residents Suggest Potential Exposure to Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Exposure and Health.1-17.
~ Sociodemographic Disparities in Mercury Exposure from United States Coal-Fired Power Plants
Dai, M.Q., B.M. Geyman, X.C. Hu, C.P. Thackray, and E.M. Sunderland. 2023. Sociodemographic Disparities in Mercury Exposure
from United States Coal-Fired Power Plants. Environmental Science and Technology Letters 10(7):589-595.
~ BioflocTechnologv: A Sustainable Approach Towards Wastewater Utilization and Fish Production
Kumar, S., P.K. Srivastava, V. Kumar, and C.S. Seth. 2024. BioflocTechnology: ASustainable Approach Towards Wastewater
Utilization and Fish Production. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management 29(l):el2449.
~ Human Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via the Consumption of Fish Leads to Exceedance of Safety Thresholds.
Langberg, H. A., Breedveld, G. D., Kallenborn, R., Ali, A. M., Choyke, S., McDonough, C. A., Higgins, C. P., Jenssen, B. M., Jartun, M.,
and Allan, I. Human Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via the Consumption of Fish Leads to Exceedance of
Safety Thresholds. Environment International: 108844. 2024.
~ Social-Ecological Vulnerability to Environmental Extremes and Adaptation Pathways in Small-Scale Fisheries of the Southern California Current
Micheli, F., A. Saenz-Arroyo, E. Aalto, R. Beas-Luna, C.A. Boch, J.C. Cardenas, G.A. De Leo, E. Diaz, A. Espinoza-Montes, and E.
Finkbeiner. 2024. Social-Ecological Vulnerability to Environmental Extremes and Adaptation Pathways in Small-Scale Fisheries of
the Southern California Current. Frontiers in Marine Science 11:1322108.
~ Mollusk and Crustacean Consumption in the First 1.000 Davs: A Scoping Review
Oaks, B.M., E.A. Gyimah, E. Kleban, K. Ragsdale, and L.L. lannotti. 2024. Mollusk and Crustacean Consumption in the First 1,000
Days: A Scoping Review. Nutrition Research Reviews:l-31.
~ Considerations and Challenges in Support of Science and Communication of Fish Consumption Advisories for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances
Petali, J.M., E.L. Pulster, C. McCarthy, H.M. Pickard, E.M. Sunderland, J. Bangma, C.C. Carignan, A. Robuck, K.A. Crawford, M.E.
Romano, and R. Lohmann. 2024. Considerations and Challenges in Support of Science and Communication of Fish Consumption
Advisories for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
~ Estimating Lentic Recreational Fisheries Catch and Effort across the United States
Robertson, M.D., S.R. Midway, H.S. Embke, A.L. Kaz, M. Lang, C. Paukert, N.A. Sievert, L. Wszola, and A.J. Lynch. 2024. Estimating
Lentic Recreational Fisheries Catch and Effort across the United States. Fisheries Management and Ecology 31(l):el2650.
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Fish and Shellfish Program newsletter
July 2024
Upcoming Meetings and Conferences
154th American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting Responsible Seafood Summit
September 15-19, 2024 October 21-24, 2024
Honolulu, Hawaii St. Andrew's, Scotland
Additional Information
This bimonthly newsletter highlights current information about fish and shellfish.
For more information about specific advisories within the state, territory, or tribe, contact the appropriate
state agency listed on EPA's National Listing of Fish Advisories website at https://fishadvisorvonline.epa.gov/Contacts.aspx.
For more information about this newsletter, contact Sharon Frev (Frev.Sharon@eDa.gov. 202-566-1480).
Additional information about advisories and fish and shellfish consumption can be found at https://www.eDa.gov/fish-tech.
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