The Minnesota Department of Health has issued its annual "Minnesota Fish Consumption Advisory". Mercury is the main chemical of concern. Fish absorb it from their food and from the water as it passes over their gills.
Lower Cullen is listed in the advisory, as well as many other lakes in the area. Species in Lower Cullen found to contain mercury are bluegill sunfish, cisco, northern pike, and walleye. The advisory does not suggest limiting consumption of bluegill sunfish or cisco. It does, however, suggest the following limits for northern pike and walleye:
Northern pike (over 30 inches long): women of child-bearing age and young children -- one meal per week; other persons -- one meal per week.
Walleye (15-25 inches long): women of child-bearing age and young children -- one meal per month; other persons -- one meal per week.
There is no method of cleaning or cooking fish that can reduce the mercury it contains; but, if the consumption limit guidelines are followed, the body should have time to rid itself of the mercury between meals of the contaminated fish.
If you would like a free copy of the "Minnesota Fish Consumption Advisory", call 800-657-3908. It's also available on the DNR's web site at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
UPDATED March 8, 2005
