The Mobile Baykeeper said new fish advisories are one reason the state's new Sound Science law causes concerns.
The Alabama Department of Public Health issued 213 advisories for fish consumption after finding certain toxic chemicals in lakes and rivers, and sampling fish. The main contaminants found were mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoralkyl sulfonates (PFOS).
At-risk groups, such as children under 14 and women who are nursing, pregnant, or who plan to become pregnant, are advised not to eat any king mackerel, shark, swordfish, or tilefish. Those groups are also advised not to eat more than 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish.
The Baykeeper said the release of the advisories highlights long-term consequences of Senate Bill 71 (SB71), which was passed this year. The law prohibits Alabama from adopting environmental safeguards that exceed federal standards.
"As you can see in the advisories, it's not a pretty picture," said William Strickland, executive director of Mobile Baykeeper. "Alabama should be strengthening protections for its waterways so we can feel good about eating more of the fish we catch; instead, SB71 restricts Alabama's ability to strengthen those protections and puts our communities at greater risk going forward."
Strickland said fish consumption advisories are issued to provide information about cancer-causing chemicals.
"My family has been eating the fish we catch since as early as I can remember," he continued. "It is an important tradition that I have continued with my children. However, my family, like most families, has been affected by cancer. We ought to pay attention to what the data says, just like we do when we make decisions about other foods we eat or medicines we take. People just need the information to make decisions for themselves."
The Sound Science bill allows Alabama to enact its own regulations if the federal government does not address specific issues. Lawmakers will be able to accept scientific practices and "sound science rules" to do so.
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