Wisconsin updated its fish consumption guidelines, narrowing safe-eating advice for several popular fishing locations based on new findings about PFAS contamination.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health Services released the updated 2026-2028 Choose Wisely booklet, which outlines consumption recommendations for fish from state waters. The update reflects new guidelines from the Great Lakes Consortium for Fish Consumption Advisories regarding safe levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a type of persistent chemical that builds up in fish tissue.
Several fishing areas, including parts of the Yahara River Chain of Lakes and the Wisconsin and La Crosse rivers, now carry more restrictive consumption advisories, with some species marked as "Do Not Eat."
The DNR tests fish from popular angling areas and waters with suspected pollution for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and PFOS. "It is important for anglers who frequently eat fish to check for new advisory updates," said Sean Strom, an environmental toxicologist with the agency.
Updated recommendations are available in the Choose Wisely booklet and through the DNR's online query tool, which lists water-body-specific guidance.