More than a fish fry: Enhancing fish consumption advisories and improving risk assessment for subsistence communities in Buffalo, New York

The Buffalo and Niagara Rivers have been impaired by more than a century of heavy industrial pollution. Their toxin-laden sediment resulted in the EPA designating the rivers as Areas of Concern in 1987 with significant impairments to fish consumption. Until remediation goals for rivers are met, risk avoidance strategies have been established and disseminated in the form of fish consumption advisories to reduce public exposure. However, these consumption advisories are insufficient for the growing number of families who subsist on locally caught fish. The consumption patterns of non-indigenous subsistence anglers and the secondary consumers with whom they share their catch are often underrepresented or systemically excluded from the conventional risk assessment paradigms informing environmental and public health protection efforts. With a grant from the USEPA, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper conducted a study of fish consumption patterns in urban and refugee fishing communities in Buffalo, New York. Study results will evaluate the accuracy of present risk estimates and inform public health officials regarding the undocumented subsistence behaviors of “hidden populations” that bear the disproportionate burden of contamination. Over 180 interviews were performed and initial results suggest that consumption among these underrepresented communities may raise issues of environmental justice. This data is also being used to collaboratively develop a community based public health campaign to address issues raised by this study. Traditional exposure reduction methods may not work in communities experiencing food insecurity. While remediation efforts are still underway, an affordable and sustainable alternative to supplement these fish must be developed.