EPA's National Fish Forum invites scientists, industry representatives, regulators, and the public to share toxicological, epidemiological, and messaging information on the risks of fish consumption. Fish is a very healthy food, however toxins now outweigh the benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in some types of fish. The goal of the forum is to determine which fish are of concern, and how to make sure that people, particularly pregnant women and children, eat the right types of fish. Lack of Omega 3's can be more detrimental than the toxins, so we must promote the best sources of Omega-3's with the least risk of contaminants such as mercury, PCB's, dioxins, and other emerging contaminants.

After hearing the heartfelt words of the representatives of the Native American tribes, I could not stop myself from crossing the science-math/humanitarian line. My statements were very brief because I was rushed by the moderator due to our lunch break, so some "connecting" sentences were omitted. Except for a few brief questions during this four-day forum, this is what I felt I had to say:

  "I would like to thank the EPA and organizers for including this panel on the Native American perspective to this issue. Particularly I would like to thank George (George Frantz of U.S. EPA), Fred (Fred Corey of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs), and Daniel (Kusnierez of the Penobscot Nation). Fred, I could feel what you felt during your presentation, and you made me feel that I had to speak." (Fred described how his adopted Aroostook son had developmental disabilities but loved every aspect of fishing and it pained him to tell his son that he could not eat the fish that his son loved to catch, clean, cook, and eat.)
 
    "Both Native American and Asian cultures are particularly affected by fishing advisories. I have lived with the Blackfeet, Hopi and Denai (Navajo). To Native Americans, fish is not just a meal; the fish are their brothers and sisters, like the rocks are their grandfathers and the rivers and oceans are their grandmothers. This is their culture.
 
  "Although some concentrations of pollutants have declined, we continue to pollute our environment. We continue to inflict cultural and environmental injustice on this land's original people. We continue to poison one of, if not THE healthiest food sources given to us by God. This is CRIMINAL, and I invite you, each in your own way, to help change this paradigm."

Although one scientist whom I respect told me my statements were inappropriate for this forum, every other person I spoke with thanked me. I knew this was the only chance I would get to address this many EPA officials and scientists, so I felt I had to speak. Thanks to everyone that encouraged me afteward.

I'd also like to invite you to check out the following informative websites:

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CHOICES : Seafood Watch regional guides contain the latest information on sustainable seafood choices available in different regions of the U.S.

FISH CHOICES FOR YOUR HEALTH : A wallet card with information on mercury levels in fish

From the Mighty Susquehanna,
Michael R Helfrich
Lower Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER®

 

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