Elevated levels of organochlorines and mercury in fish commonly caught from San Francisco Bay have raised public concern regarding health risks. Although sportfish health advisories recommending consumption limits have existed for many years, little is known about the population of anglers who eat Bay fish. In response, the California Department of Health Services conducted a study to characterize fish consumption patterns and demographic characteristics of San Francisco Bay anglers in order to identify highly exposed subpopulations and gather information for developing educational messages. Over a one year period, we conducted more than 1,300 interviews of Bay anglers who fish from piers, shorelines, and boats. We also held focus groups to explore ways to improve outreach and education to these anglers. Our findings indicate that overall fish consumption rates are lower than those reported in other studies. We also found that San Francisco Bay anglers are an ethnically diverse population whose consumption patterns vary widely. In this session, we will discuss how different ethnic groups fishing from San Francisco Bay may be disproportionately affected by fish contamination problems due to differences in their consumption patterns. We will also describe recommendations for developing successful outreach and education programs on fish contamination issues for ethnically diverse populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to discuss how different ethnic groups may be disproportionately affected by fish contamination issues. Participants will also be able to list factors important to developing successful outreach and education programs on fish contamination issues for ethnically diverse populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.