Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Program Overview

How are advisories developed?

The Florida Department of Health (DOH), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP ) the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), and The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operate jointly to determine if environmental chemicals are present in fish from Florida waters.  In most instances FFWCC determines what fish species should be sampled and collects those samples.  DEP measures the levels of chemicals in the fish tissue.  DOH determines the potential for adverse human health effects from consuming the fish and issues fish consumption advisories when needed.  The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS ) provides input on issues related to commercially available seafood (grocery stores, etc) in Florida

How is the public informed?

DOH provides a booklet that includes the fish consumption advisories that are in effect each year. Multiple copies of the booklet will be available in the near future from each county health departments. The other participating agencies may also have copies of the booklet available at their regional offices. The latest advisories are posted on the " Fish Consumption Advisory Website "

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