Government of New Brunswick

Mercury in Fish

NOTE: Fish from commercial trout ponds and aquaculture operations are considered safe to eat.

Eating fish caught in New Brunswick's lakes or rivers could increase the level of mercury in your body. The following guidelines apply to:

  • Brook trout
  • Lake trout
  • Landlocked salmon
  • Smallmouth bass
  • White Perch
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Pickerel
  • Striped bass
  • Catfish

(They do not apply to Atlantic salmon.)

Pregnant women: 

  • Do not eat these ten fish.

Women of childbearing age & children under eight years: 

  • Limit brook trout (under 29 cm) to one meal/month.
  • Do not eat large fish (over 29 cm) of any species.

Children eight years and older, male adults and women past childbearing:

  • No restriction on brook trout (under 29 cm).
  • Limit brook trout (over 29 cm) to one meal/week.
  • Limit other nine species to one meal/two weeks.

An occasional meal which exceeds the guidelines should have no adverse health effects.

For more information:
Health Canada
NB Department of Health  (506) 457-4800

For information on commercial fish:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency