Michigan has increased its Do Not Eat fish advisories from 33 water bodies last year to 98 this year, following new testing that found higher levels of PFAS, particularly PFOS, in dozens of lakes and rivers. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released its 2025 Eat Safe Fish Guide on June 2. The latest update includes emergency warnings beyond the usual annual review due to elevated PFAS findings.
The sharp rise in advisories came as MDHHS adopted more protective thresholds. The cutoff for a Do Not Eat advisory dropped from 300 parts per billion (ppb) of PFOS in 2014 to 49.6 ppb. Any advisory now begins at just 1.5 ppb, according to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team. These changes reflect a growing understanding of PFAS toxicity and a stronger push to protect vulnerable populations.
MDHHS noted that these guidelines are especially protective of children, pregnant or nursing individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. The state recommends following its “MI Servings” guidance: 6 to 8 ounces for adults and 2 to 4 ounces for children. Details are outlined in the Eat Safe Fish Brochure.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds used in a range of products including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food wrappers, and waterproof clothing. These chemicals resist breaking down in the environment. Once they enter water systems, they accumulate in fish and wildlife. Exposure has been linked to health effects like cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental issues. You can read more about PFAS and their risks through the CDC and EPA resources.
Much of the new data behind these expanded advisories came from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which conducts annual fish contaminant monitoring. This data is used by MDHHS to determine consumption limits and was a driving factor in this year’s significant increase in warnings. More information can be found on EGLE’s Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program.
Along with updated limits, the state continues to promote the “3 Cs” approach to safer fish consumption: choose cleaner species like panfish or salmon over bottom feeders, clean off all skin and fat before cooking, and cook fish in ways that allow fat to drain away. These steps can reduce exposure to some contaminants, although they do not remove PFAS that are present in the fish muscle.
For anglers and subsistence fishers who depend on local waterways, the growing list of advisories is concerning. You can access the interactive PFAS Fish Advisories Map to check conditions in your area.
The MDHHS hotline at 800-648-6942 offers support and free printed guides by region.
Conservation advocates say the advisories are a step in the right direction, but also a red flag about Michigan’s ongoing water contamination issues. Until the sources of PFAS pollution are cut off and cleanup efforts are fully funded, the fish and the people eating them will remain at risk.
