Hmong Fishing Activity and Fish Consumption

Author(s):

Hutchison, Ray; Kraft, C.E.

Format:

Journal article

Citation:

Journal Of Great Lakes Research, Volume 20, Issue 2 (1994). pp. 471-478.

Language:

English

Abstract:

We examined the fishing activity and fish consumption of Hmong residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin to determine whether their fishing activity was similar to other Wisconsin residents. Previous studies have raised concerns that higher fish consumption by minority groups living in urban areas may increase their health risks from consuming contaminated fish. Using data from a random sample of households representing nearly half of the local Hmong population, we determined that members of 60 percent of Hmong households participated in fishing activity and often traveled to fishing locations 30 to 40 miles beyond their local community. One quarter of the households reporting fishing activity consumed fish at least once per week. The most commonly reported species caught, white bass, was captured twice as often as the next most frequently reported species. Since contaminant levels in white bass vary widely (0 to 4.8 ppm PCBs in 1992) depending on the fishing location, some Green Bay Hmong residents may be consuming fish in excess of recommended state health advisories. © 1994, International Association for Great Lakes Research. All rights reserved.

ISSN:

03801330 (ISSN)

DOI:

10.1016/S0380-1330(94)71163-1

Identifier:

HmongStudies1349