>>Oddly enough, I'm actually kind of used to that sort of thing. The last place I lived was Pittsburgh, where it was a huge deal when the rivers were declared clean enough for us to eat fish three times a week.
As of the last report, fish and other seafood from the Chesapeake should only be eaten under the following conditions:
1) Don't eat more than 1 serving/month.
2) Do not eat any if you're pregnant.
3) Do not eat any if you are young, elderly, have recently been sick, or have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, mono, etc.
Possible side effects include illness, buildup of mercury in your system, cancer, and a whole series of complications for unborn children including but not limited to asthma and water spots on the brain.
Hooray Chesapeake!
Oh, and it's best if you don't get in the water. The last time I was in the bay, I ended up with 1/2" thick layer of black tar all over my feet. I couldn't get it off for over a week. Pollution? What pollution? There's nothing wrong with the bay or our watershed! Never!!!
~Mike/Gulph
