Development of a Sociodemographic Indicator of Risk from Consumption of Recreationally Caught Fish. K. K. Pflugh and L. Lurig, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ; D. Wilson, Human Ecology Department, Rutgers, the State University, New Brunswick, NJ; and E. Bochenek, New Jersey Sea Grant, Sandy Hook, New Jersey
In 1995, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection conducted a survey of urban anglers in the Newark Bay Complex in New Jersey. The Newark Bay Complex is a highly industrialized urban area with a tidal river system running through five counties and more than 25 municipalities. In the early 1980’s fish tissue samples indicated that five species of fish and one type of crab were contaminated with dioxins and PCBs. The state issued fish consumption advisories for this region to protect public health. In 1993, it was discovered that anglers from this region were not receiving the state fish consumption advisories. A special outreach was initiated to inform anglers of the fish consumption advisories. The angler survey was conducted to develop a demographic profile of urban anglers, learn angler’s knowledge of advisories, belief in advisories, perception of risk from consumption of contaminated fish and crabs, and consumption patterns. Among the results, the study revealed that the Hispanic and Latino community were least likely to be aware or concerned about fish consumption advisories, and most likely to be consuming contaminated crabs. In 1998, research was initiated to look at the relationship of culture, social networks and income on perception of risk from contaminated fish and crabs. This paper will include the results from eight focus group sessions conducted with female heads of household about diet, food selection and the role of fish in traditional recipes. Results from angler interviews about consumption patterns and risk perception will also be shared.
Funding was provided by the Center for Environmental Indicators.
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