Mercury contamination in seafood is a scientifically verified health concern. Methylmercury, the organic form of mercury, accumulates in fish and shellfish through the aquatic food chain. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain fish species contain mercury levels exceeding 0.5 parts per million (ppm), which is the advisory threshold for sensitive populations like pregnant women.
This article provides factual, segmented data on mercury levels across different seafood types, based on verified sources such as the FDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and scientific studies. Readers will find clear answers on which seafood has high or low mercury levels, which species are safest during pregnancy, and how to assess seafood risk based on species, size, and origin.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which fish to prioritize and which to limit, based on measurable mercury content—not vague assumptions.
Contents
- 1 What Is Mercury and Why Is It Found in Seafood?
- 2 Which Types of Fish Have the Highest Mercury Levels?
- 3 Which Seafood Has the Lowest Mercury Content?
- 4 Is Salmon High in Mercury Compared to Other Fish?
- 5 How Much Mercury Is in Tuna (Canned and Fresh)?
- 6 How Do Mercury Levels Vary Between Shellfish and Finfish?
- 7 How Does Mercury Affect Human Health Long-Term?
- 8 How Can Pregnant Women Choose Safe Seafood?
- 9 How Do Government Agencies Test and Regulate Mercury in Seafood?
- 10 Is Farmed Fish Safer Than Wild Fish When It Comes to Mercury?
- 11 What Tools or Apps Help Track Mercury Levels in Seafood?
- 12 How to Balance Mercury Risk with Omega-3 Benefits in Fish
- 13 How Often Can You Eat High-Mercury Seafood Safely?
- 14 Are There Regional Differences in Mercury Levels in Seafood?
What Is Mercury and Why Is It Found in Seafood?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element released into the environment through volcanic activity, coal burning, and industrial processes. Once airborne, it settles into water bodies and is converted by microorganisms into methylmercury, the most toxic and bioavailable form.
Seafood contains mercury because methylmercury accumulates through biomagnification. Small fish absorb it from their environment, and larger predatory fish ingest higher amounts by eating smaller, contaminated fish. This process results in mercury levels up to 10,000 times higher in top predators compared to the water they swim in.
The FDA and EPA have confirmed that nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, but the concentration varies drastically by species, size, and trophic level.
How does mercury enter the ocean food chain?
Mercury enters the food chain when airborne emissions settle into oceans and are transformed into methylmercury by aquatic bacteria. Plankton absorb this compound, small fish consume the plankton, and larger fish eat the smaller ones.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), global anthropogenic mercury emissions reached 2,220 tonnes in 2015, with over 35% deposited into marine ecosystems. As a result, apex predators like shark and swordfish now show mercury concentrations over 1.0 ppm, as confirmed by FDA monitoring reports.
What is the difference between methylmercury and elemental mercury?
Methylmercury is organic, highly absorbable, and neurotoxic; elemental mercury is metallic, less bioavailable, and typically inhaled, not ingested.
When humans consume seafood, over 95% of methylmercury is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal tract. In contrast, elemental mercury exposure typically occurs through occupational inhalation, with less than 0.01% absorbed via digestion.
Methylmercury binds to proteins in fish muscle tissue, not fat, making it impossible to remove through cooking. This makes it a critical toxicological concern in dietary exposure.
Which Types of Fish Have the Highest Mercury Levels?
Fish with the highest mercury levels are large, long-lived predators such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, with average mercury concentrations ranging from 0.9 to 1.45 ppm.
According to the FDA’s database of mercury levels in commercial fish, the top 4 highest-mercury species include:
- Swordfish – 0.995 ppm
- Shark – 0.979 ppm
- King mackerel – 0.730 ppm
- Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico) – 1.450 ppm
These levels exceed the EPA’s reference dose of 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day, making them unsafe for weekly consumption by children and pregnant individuals.
Why do predatory fish contain more mercury?
Predatory fish accumulate more mercury due to their diet of smaller contaminated species over long lifespans. The longer a fish lives and the higher its position in the food chain, the greater its mercury accumulation.
For example, a 15-year-old shark may have consumed over 1,000 smaller fish, each with trace mercury levels. Over time, these trace amounts aggregate to dangerous concentrations in muscle tissue. The phenomenon is called bioaccumulation, and it is exponential—not linear.
Is swordfish safe to eat occasionally?
Swordfish is not safe to eat occasionally for pregnant women, children under 6, or anyone consuming fish more than twice per week. The average mercury level in swordfish is nearly 1.0 ppm, ten times higher than the FDA’s benchmark for low-mercury seafood (0.1 ppm).
For the general population, eating swordfish more than once a month leads to cumulative mercury exposure above the EPA reference dose. A safer alternative with similar protein and omega-3 content is wild-caught salmon, which contains less than 0.022 ppm of mercury.
How much mercury is in king mackerel and tilefish?
King mackerel averages 0.73 ppm of mercury, while tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico reaches 1.45 ppm—the highest of any commercial seafood.
These values are based on FDA laboratory tests across hundreds of commercial samples. Atlantic tilefish, however, has lower concentrations (~0.14 ppm), which highlights the need to differentiate by catch origin.
Always verify the region of origin before purchasing tilefish or mackerel. Grocery labels and sustainable seafood guides can help determine safe sources.
Which Seafood Has the Lowest Mercury Content?
Seafood with the lowest mercury content includes sardines, anchovies, shrimp, oysters, and salmon, with levels consistently below 0.05 ppm. These species are small, short-lived, and feed low on the food chain, which limits their bioaccumulation of methylmercury.
According to FDA data, over 90% of tested shrimp samples contained less than 0.01 ppm of mercury. Sardines and anchovies register similarly low levels, making them ideal for frequent consumption without risk of mercury overload.
The EPA recommends these low-mercury species as safe choices for children, pregnant individuals, and people who eat fish more than twice per week.
Are sardines and anchovies safe for frequent consumption?
Sardines and anchovies are safe for frequent consumption because their mercury levels average below 0.02 ppm. These fish are harvested young, usually within one year of life, and feed primarily on plankton. They do not have time to accumulate dangerous levels of mercury.
Health organizations including the American Heart Association recommend eating oily fish like sardines at least twice weekly due to their high omega-3 content and negligible mercury risk. For example, 100g of sardines offers over 1,480 mg of EPA and DHA, with less than 0.016 ppm mercury.
Is shrimp low in mercury compared to fish?
Shrimp contains significantly less mercury than most fish, with an average of 0.009 ppm. Among all seafood tested by the FDA, shrimp ranks among the five lowest in mercury content.
Because shrimp are farmed or caught young and grow quickly, they do not have prolonged exposure to contaminated waters. This makes them a safe protein source, especially for children and women of childbearing age.
Boiled shrimp, in particular, is often recommended in dietary guidelines due to its low mercury and low saturated fat profile.
How does farming affect mercury levels in fish?
Farming reduces mercury levels in fish by controlling feed sources and limiting environmental exposure. Farmed fish are usually raised in controlled aquatic systems where diets are formulated to be mercury-free.
For instance, farmed Atlantic salmon contains less than 0.022 ppm mercury, compared to wild king salmon which may reach up to 0.36 ppm. The feed used in aquaculture is often monitored to exclude fishmeal made from high-mercury species.
However, not all farmed fish are safe by default. Verify farm origin and certification, such as ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), to ensure low-contaminant feed protocols are followed.
Is Salmon High in Mercury Compared to Other Fish?
Salmon is consistently low in mercury, with average concentrations between 0.022 and 0.035 ppm, making it one of the safest seafood options available. Whether wild-caught or farmed, salmon ranks well below the EPA reference threshold for mercury.
FDA surveillance shows that even large Chinook salmon contain less than 0.05 ppm of mercury. This is because salmon, despite their size, feed low on the food chain and have relatively short lifespans of 2–6 years, limiting mercury accumulation.
Difference between wild and farmed salmon mercury levels
Farmed salmon typically contains slightly less mercury than wild salmon due to controlled feed and shorter grow-out cycles. On average, farmed Atlantic salmon tests at 0.022 ppm, while wild Pacific salmon ranges from 0.027 to 0.035 ppm.
This difference is minimal and not toxicologically significant. Both options are considered safe by the EPA and FDA for frequent consumption, even during pregnancy.
The greater concern with farmed salmon is often related to omega-3 ratios or environmental sustainability—not mercury content.
Is canned salmon a safer choice?
Canned salmon is a safe and convenient low-mercury choice, especially when sourced from wild Alaskan pink or sockeye salmon. These varieties have mercury levels under 0.03 ppm and retain their nutritional value during the canning process.
Most canned salmon on the U.S. market originates from Alaska, where fishery management ensures traceable, sustainable sourcing. Always check the label for species and origin. Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) are preferable over generic “Atlantic salmon” labels, which may indicate farmed imports with unknown standards.
How Much Mercury Is in Tuna (Canned and Fresh)?
Tuna mercury levels vary widely by species: albacore tuna contains 0.35 ppm, yellowfin averages 0.35–0.4 ppm, while skipjack tuna—the most common in canned light tuna—has only 0.12 ppm.
The FDA recommends limiting intake of albacore (white) tuna to no more than one 6-ounce serving per week for sensitive groups. Light tuna, made primarily from skipjack, is safer for more frequent consumption.
Bigeye tuna should be avoided entirely by pregnant individuals and children, as it averages over 0.69 ppm of mercury, making it comparable to shark or swordfish.
Mercury levels in albacore vs. skipjack tuna
Albacore tuna has nearly 3 times more mercury than skipjack, making it a higher-risk option. This is due to differences in lifespan and size. Albacore live up to 12 years and weigh over 60 pounds, while skipjack live less than 6 years and rarely exceed 30 pounds.
FDA testing shows:
- Albacore tuna: 0.35 ppm average
- Skipjack tuna: 0.12 ppm average
Choose canned light tuna over canned white tuna to minimize mercury exposure.
How often can you safely eat canned tuna?
You can safely eat canned light tuna up to 2–3 times per week, while canned white (albacore) tuna should be limited to once weekly. These guidelines follow EPA reference dose calculations for mercury intake per body weight.
For a 60 kg adult, the safe weekly limit is roughly 42 micrograms of mercury. A 6-ounce serving of albacore delivers about 40 micrograms, while the same portion of skipjack provides only 13 micrograms.
Use tools like the FDA’s mercury calculator to track cumulative exposure, especially if you eat multiple seafood types in a week.
How Do Mercury Levels Vary Between Shellfish and Finfish?
Shellfish generally have lower mercury levels than finfish because they feed on plankton and organic matter rather than other fish. Most shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops contain less than 0.01 ppm of mercury, compared to many finfish species which exceed 0.3 ppm.
Finfish accumulate mercury based on lifespan and predatory behavior. Shellfish, on the other hand, are filter feeders, which limits methylmercury intake. FDA analysis of over 200 samples confirms that oysters average 0.008 ppm, while mussels test around 0.01 ppm.
Shellfish are therefore considered safe for frequent consumption, especially when sourced from regulated aquaculture or clean coastal regions.
Are clams, oysters, and mussels high in mercury?
Clams, oysters, and mussels are not high in mercury and average less than 0.01 ppm. These species feed on microscopic phytoplankton and organic particles in sediment, not on other marine animals.
FDA data confirms:
- Oysters: 0.008 ppm
- Mussels: 0.01 ppm
- Clams: 0.009 ppm
Because of their minimal mercury load, these shellfish are safe for children, pregnant individuals, and high-frequency seafood eaters. However, they should still be sourced from clean, approved waters to avoid bacterial contamination.
Is crab or lobster a safer choice?
Crab and lobster are moderately safe with mercury levels around 0.07–0.09 ppm, depending on species and harvest region. While not as low as bivalves, these crustaceans still fall within the EPA’s low-mercury range.
FDA testing shows:
- Blue crab: 0.06 ppm
- Dungeness crab: 0.07 ppm
- American lobster: 0.09 ppm
These values allow for weekly consumption in most diets. For lower-risk intake, prioritize crabs from colder northern waters and check sustainability certifications.
How Does Mercury Affect Human Health Long-Term?
Long-term mercury exposure impairs neurological development, damages kidneys, and elevates cardiovascular risk, especially through methylmercury in seafood. The human body does not efficiently eliminate methylmercury, allowing it to build up in soft tissues over time.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic exposure above 0.1 microgram/kg/day can lead to permanent cognitive decline in children and reproductive dysfunction in adults.
Symptoms vary by severity and include memory loss, vision changes, and muscle coordination issues. The risk is highest for fetuses and young children, whose nervous systems are still developing.
What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
Symptoms of mercury poisoning depend on duration and dose, with 5 neurological and 4 systemic categories.
Neurological symptoms:
- Fine motor tremors
- Memory impairment
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Speech or vision disturbances
- Loss of coordination
Systemic symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Metallic taste
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Hair loss (in severe toxicity)
The CDC confirms that symptoms often appear after weeks or months of elevated exposure and may be subtle or progressive. Blood mercury testing is required for confirmation.
Who is most at risk from mercury exposure?
The most at-risk groups are pregnant women, fetuses, infants, and people who eat large predatory fish more than once per week. According to the EPA, the developing fetal brain is up to 10 times more sensitive to methylmercury than adult brains.
Other high-risk populations include:
- Individuals with high seafood diets (e.g. certain coastal communities)
- Children under 6 years old
- Women planning pregnancy within 12 months
- People with impaired kidney or liver function
These groups should avoid fish species averaging over 0.3 ppm mercury, including swordfish, shark, and bigeye tuna.
How Can Pregnant Women Choose Safe Seafood?
Pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces (340 grams) per week of low-mercury seafood, such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, and cod. The key is selecting species with verified mercury levels under 0.1 ppm and spacing intake throughout the week.
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant individuals continue eating fish to support fetal brain development, provided they avoid high-mercury species.
Low-mercury, high-omega-3 fish provide critical nutrients like DHA, which contributes to cognitive and visual development in infants.
What fish are safe to eat during pregnancy?
The safest fish during pregnancy are salmon, sardines, pollock, haddock, and trout—each averaging less than 0.05 ppm mercury.
USDA and FDA joint guidance lists over 20 safe options for pregnant individuals. Five of the most recommended:
- Salmon: 0.022 ppm
- Atlantic mackerel (not king): 0.05 ppm
- Sardines: 0.013 ppm
- Pollock: 0.031 ppm
- Haddock: 0.055 ppm
Avoid confusing similar names—“king mackerel” is high in mercury, while “Atlantic mackerel” is safe. Read labels and prefer wild-caught fish from North American waters when possible.
How much seafood should pregnant women consume weekly?
Pregnant women should consume 8–12 ounces (2–3 servings) of low-mercury seafood per week, divided evenly across meals.
This intake level ensures adequate DHA and EPA without exceeding mercury exposure limits. A standard serving is 4 ounces of cooked fish. For example:
- 2 servings of salmon (8 oz)
- 1 serving of shrimp (4 oz)
These three servings together deliver over 700 mg of DHA with less than 10 micrograms of mercury, staying well below the EPA threshold for a 60 kg adult (42 micrograms/week).
How Do Government Agencies Test and Regulate Mercury in Seafood?
Government agencies like the FDA and EPA regulate mercury in seafood by setting permissible limits, conducting routine testing, and issuing consumption advisories. These efforts are grounded in toxicological data and food safety protocols.
The FDA’s action level for methylmercury in commercial seafood is 1.0 parts per million (ppm). The EPA’s reference dose for safe daily intake is 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight, used to determine safe weekly limits.
Seafood sold in the U.S. undergoes routine sampling and analysis, with data published in FDA’s Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish database. States may issue their own fish consumption advisories for locally caught species.
What are FDA and EPA mercury limits?
The FDA allows up to 1.0 ppm of methylmercury in commercial fish, while the EPA advises exposure limits of 0.1 µg/kg body weight per day. These limits are based on long-term health studies and designed to protect the most vulnerable populations.
For example, a 60 kg adult has a weekly EPA limit of 42 µg of mercury. A 6-ounce serving of swordfish (0.995 ppm) contains about 170 µg—400% of the safe limit.
Any fish testing above 1.0 ppm may be subject to removal from the commercial market or advisory restrictions. These thresholds are enforced to prevent chronic exposure through cumulative seafood consumption.
How accurate are seafood mercury testing methods?
Seafood mercury testing is highly accurate and relies on atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods can detect mercury at parts-per-billion levels.
Testing is conducted on edible muscle tissue, where mercury is most concentrated. The FDA routinely tests both domestic and imported seafood samples, with results publicly available. The average margin of error in these tests is less than 5%, ensuring statistically valid exposure estimates.
Consumers can trust that labeled mercury data reflects true average content—though individual fish may vary based on age and origin.
Is Farmed Fish Safer Than Wild Fish When It Comes to Mercury?
Farmed fish are generally safer than wild fish in terms of mercury because they are fed controlled diets and have shorter lifespans. Farm-raised species are also grown in environments with regulated water quality and minimal mercury input.
For instance, farmed Atlantic salmon contains only 0.022 ppm mercury on average, while wild king salmon can exceed 0.3 ppm. The difference stems from bioaccumulation patterns—wild fish live longer and feed on smaller contaminated species.
However, farming practices vary globally. Not all farmed fish are equal in contaminant risk. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifies operations that meet strict feed and environmental standards.
What is the role of feed and environment in mercury accumulation?
Mercury levels in farmed fish depend primarily on feed composition and water contamination. Commercial aquaculture feed is typically plant-based or derived from low-mercury fishmeal sources, reducing the risk of mercury ingestion.
For example, tilapia and pangasius are farmed using vegetarian diets, resulting in mercury levels under 0.01 ppm. In contrast, farmed species fed on pelagic fish (e.g. tuna farming) may retain more mercury unless the feed is purified.
Water quality also matters. Inland recirculating systems or ocean pens in regulated zones keep mercury exposure low. Always verify certifications like ASC or GlobalG.A.P. to ensure farming compliance.
What Tools or Apps Help Track Mercury Levels in Seafood?
Reliable tools for tracking seafood mercury levels include online databases, mobile apps, and government charts. These resources help consumers make informed purchasing and dietary decisions.
Three of the most accurate tools available today:
- FDA Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish Chart – Updated periodically, includes over 50 species with average and maximum ppm values.
- EDF Seafood Selector by Environmental Defense Fund – Combines mercury data with sustainability ratings. Allows filtering by risk level and fish type.
- Got Mercury? Calculator by Turtle Island Restoration Network – Calculates mercury intake based on body weight and seafood consumed.
Is the EDF Seafood Selector still updated?
Yes, the EDF Seafood Selector remains an actively maintained resource combining mercury content with sustainability metrics. It includes over 200 species and allows sorting by:
- Lowest to highest mercury
- Eco-friendly fishing methods
- Pregnancy-safe options
The EDF database is particularly useful for consumers balancing both health and environmental considerations. It is also accessible via mobile for on-the-go reference in grocery stores or restaurants.
Are there any FDA mobile tools or charts?
While the FDA does not offer a mobile app, its official mercury chart is mobile-friendly and available as a downloadable PDF. Users can access it at FDA.gov and search by species name.
The chart includes:
- Species name
- Mean mercury concentration (ppm)
- Sample size
- Highest recorded level
It is widely cited in scientific publications and public health guidelines. For the most accurate dietary planning, cross-reference the FDA chart with your weekly seafood intake.
How to Balance Mercury Risk with Omega-3 Benefits in Fish
To balance mercury risk with omega-3 benefits, choose species that offer high levels of EPA and DHA with mercury levels below 0.1 ppm. These include salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel (not king mackerel), and anchovies.
Fish is one of the richest natural sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart function, brain development, and inflammation reduction. But the risk of mercury exposure must be managed through species selection and portion control.
A practical strategy is to eat 2–3 servings per week of low-mercury, high-omega-3 fish, ensuring optimal nutrient intake without exceeding toxicological limits.
Which fish offer high omega-3 and low mercury?
The top 5 fish offering high omega-3s and low mercury are salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and Atlantic mackerel. These species provide more than 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA per 100g, with mercury levels under 0.05 ppm.
Here’s a reference list:
- Salmon (farmed): 1,800 mg omega-3 / 0.022 ppm mercury
- Sardines: 1,480 mg omega-3 / 0.013 ppm mercury
- Anchovies: 1,200 mg omega-3 / 0.017 ppm mercury
- Atlantic mackerel: 1,000 mg omega-3 / 0.05 ppm mercury
- Herring: 1,200 mg omega-3 / 0.084 ppm mercury
These fish can be safely consumed multiple times per week by all age groups.
Should you take omega-3 supplements instead?
Omega-3 supplements are a safe alternative if fish consumption is limited, but they do not offer the full range of nutrients found in whole seafood. High-quality fish oil supplements are purified to remove mercury and other contaminants.
However, whole fish provides additional nutrients such as selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and complete protein—making it a superior nutritional choice when sourced responsibly.
If taking supplements, look for third-party certifications like IFOS or USP, and ensure DHA+EPA content meets clinical thresholds (e.g., 1,000 mg/day for cardiovascular support).
How Often Can You Eat High-Mercury Seafood Safely?
You can eat high-mercury seafood once per month if you are an adult without underlying health risks and do not consume other mercury-rich species during the same period. This guideline ensures cumulative exposure remains below the EPA reference dose.
The EPA defines a safe daily intake of methylmercury as 0.1 µg/kg of body weight. For a 70 kg adult, that equates to 7 µg/day or 49 µg/week. A single 6 oz (170g) serving of swordfish delivers over 170 µg—surpassing the weekly limit in one meal.
To avoid risk, consume high-mercury species like shark, tilefish, or bigeye tuna no more than 1–2 times per quarter, depending on body weight.
What is the EPA reference dose (RfD) for methylmercury?
The EPA reference dose (RfD) for methylmercury is 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day. This is the maximum exposure considered safe over a lifetime without adverse health effects.
Calculations:
- 50 kg adult: max 35 µg/week
- 70 kg adult: max 49 µg/week
- 25 kg child: max 17.5 µg/week
Exceeding this dose regularly increases risk of mercury buildup in tissues, especially the brain and kidneys. Consumers should track mercury intake per serving and per week using trusted tools.
How do body weight and age affect mercury accumulation?
Lower body weight and younger age increase the toxic impact of mercury due to smaller detox capacity and developing organs. Children, infants, and fetuses are especially vulnerable because methylmercury crosses the blood–brain barrier and placenta.
A child weighing 20 kg can only tolerate 14 µg of mercury per week. A 4 oz (113g) serving of canned albacore tuna (0.35 ppm) already provides over 39 µg—nearly triple the safe dose.
For this reason, pediatric dietary guidelines exclude high-mercury fish entirely for children under 6 and recommend low-mercury species only 1–2 times per week.
Are There Regional Differences in Mercury Levels in Seafood?
Yes, mercury levels in seafood vary by region due to local water contamination, fish migration patterns, and industrial activity. For example, tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico average 1.45 ppm mercury, while Atlantic tilefish contain only 0.14 ppm.
The FDA and NOAA track regional differences through routine sampling. Coastal areas near mining, coal combustion, or industrial discharge zones report higher methylmercury levels in sediment and fish tissues.
Consumers should consider the catch location listed on packaging or request sourcing information from seafood vendors.
Is imported seafood more likely to have higher mercury?
Imported seafood from unregulated fisheries may have higher mercury levels due to limited testing and weaker environmental controls. For instance, imported swordfish and tuna from some Asian and Latin American countries often exceed FDA thresholds.
A 2022 FDA import alert listed swordfish shipments from multiple non-OECD nations with mercury levels above 1.0 ppm. U.S.-bound imports are subject to inspection, but not all shipments are tested.
To reduce risk, prioritize seafood labeled as U.S.-caught, Canadian, or from countries with strong regulatory oversight such as Norway, Iceland, or New Zealand.
Do mercury levels vary by ocean region?
Yes, mercury levels are highest in the North Pacific and Gulf of Mexico due to atmospheric deposition and regional currents. Studies by NOAA show that mercury concentrations in open ocean waters have increased by 30% over the last 20 years, especially near East Asia.
Key regional observations:
- Gulf of Mexico tilefish: 1.45 ppm
- Atlantic tilefish: 0.14 ppm
- North Pacific tuna: 0.4–0.7 ppm
- South Atlantic sardines: <0.02 ppm
These differences are due to both environmental loading and fish species distribution. Use sustainable seafood guides to select species from lower-risk regions whenever possible.
Mercury in seafood is not a reason to avoid fish entirely—it’s a call to choose wisely. By prioritizing low-mercury, high-nutrient species, you can enjoy seafood’s full health benefits without the toxic burden.
To go further in building safe eating habits, you can also explore:
- How to Store and Freeze Seafood Safely – to retain quality and prevent spoilage
- What Does Sushi-Grade Mean? – for safer raw fish selection
- Is It Safe to Eat Raw Shellfish at Home? – assessing risks in preparation and sourcing
Each of these guides connects to the broader goal: making informed, safe, and sustainable seafood choices for you and your family.