Reducing Toxics in Fish, Sediments and Water

Washington’s marine and fresh waters are home to rich stocks of fish and shellfish. Protecting the health of these resources is important for the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, and people.

The more we learn about toxic chemicals, the more we realize that they are everywhere. Toxic chemicals are in our air, water, soil, food, and in our bodies. Some toxic chemicals pose an immediate health threat. Others gradually build up in the environment and in our bodies, causing disease long after we are first exposed.

Washington has made significant progress to reduce toxic chemicals. It has dramatically reduced mercury pollution, and is phasing out persistent chemicals that build up in the food chain, such as flame retardants. Washington has taken steps to reduce and phase out the use of copper brake pads, lead wheel weights, copper boat paints and chemicals in children’s products.

Since toxic chemicals are also found in fish and shellfish, our state is continuing to work on this problem by developing a more accurate view of how much fish and shellfish Washington residents eat. It’s good for people to eat fish and shellfish, because they are important parts of a healthy diet. That’s why we protect these resources as much as possible.

From this, the Department of Ecology plans to develop new regulatory standards for environmental cleanup and water pollution discharges. Ecology also plans to amend existing regulatory tools to help entities work effectively toward meeting permit limits and controlling sources of pollutants.

Washington’s current fish consumption rates are not accurate

Washington uses fish consumption rates as a basis for environmental cleanup and pollution control. Washington currently uses two rates: 6.5 grams per day incorporated into water quality standards, and 54 grams per day, which is the Model Toxics Control Act default value used in setting sediment and water cleanup standards. The current rates were developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

The best current science now indicates that our present fish consumption rates do not accurately reflect how much of our state’s fish and shellfish Washingtonians actually eat.

In fact, we consume fish and shellfish in amounts that are much larger than the state’s current rates reflect.

As Washington moves toward developing a new, more accurate fish consumption rate, it welcomes — and needs — involvement by many, including tribal nations, industries, municipalities, and citizens.

Washington’s economy needs healthy fish and shellfish

Having cleaner shellfish and fish is not just important for the health of our residents – it’s also important for the health of Washington’s economy.

Commercial and recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting contribute about $2.5 billion in annual economic activity and nearly 29,000 jobs in Washington.