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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Michael McGeehan |
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McGeehan says fish consumption advisory shows progress, but moderation still the key
HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Mike McGeehan, D-Phila., one of the legislature’s biggest proponents of revived sport fishing in the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers in Philadelphia, today said the latest fish consumption advisory from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is good news for the state’s sport anglers.
“It shows that we’re continuing to make steady progress in improving the water quality in the watersheds across the Commonwealth,” McGeehan said.
The Delaware and Schuylkill, like most bodies of water in Pennsylvania, remain covered by a recommendation that people limit their consumption of fish taken from these waterways to one meal per week to ensure they are not ingesting hazardous levels of PCB or mercury. It is especially important that pregnant women and young children follow the advisory.
McGeehan, a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, noted that the more restrictive advisories that were in place in numerous other waterways across the state have been relaxed. Only a handful of creeks and rivers, all in central and western Pennsylvania, still have stricter advisories posted for a portion of their length.
“The latest report is another testament to the growing viability of sport fishing right here in Philadelphia and along the tributaries that flow into the Delaware and Schuylkill,” McGeehan said.
“It confirms that we’re on the right track in promoting sport fishing right here on our doorstep.
“The clean water also means a continued revival of river habitats for birds, amphibians and small animals that are essential components to a healthy and natural riverside environment.”
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