Fish Advisory Issued For Stevens Creek Reservoir Due To Mercury

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Elevated mercury levels found in certain species of fish caught from the Stevens Creek Reservoir led to the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issuing a state fish advisory on Wednesday.

Mercury, which accumulates in fish and can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, was detected in black bass, Common Carp, crappie and Sacramento Sucker species in the reservoir.

“Many fish have nutrients that may reduce the risk of heart disease and are excellent sources of protein,” said Dr. Lauren Zeise, the agency’s director. “By following our guidelines for fish caught in Stevens Creek Reservoir, people can safely eat fish low in chemical contaminants and enjoy the well-known health benefits of fish consumption.”

The Stevens Creek Reservoir is located in Stevens Creek County Park, west of Cupertino.

The agency advised children and women ages 18-49 against eating black bass species and crappie species, but they can safely eat one serving of Common Carp or Sacramento Sucker a week.

Men and women over 50 should not eat black bass species but can have two servings of Common Carp or Sacramento Sucker species a week, or one total serving of crappie species a week, the agency said.

The agency defined one serving as an eight-ounce fish fillet, which is roughly the size and thickness of a hand. It is fine to occasionally eat fish in amounts slightly greater than the recommended levels based on mercury, the agency said.

Click here for a guide to eating fish from the Stevens Creek Reservoir.