"Some seafood may be contaminated."

    A new educational campaign to address those two truths has been launched in Glynn County, aimed primarily at subsistence fishers and people who eat locally caught seafood.  The campaign will teach the locations of local fish consumption advisories, the kinds and numbers of fish which may be safely eaten, and how to best clean and prepare them.

    "While it is essential to spread the word about the health benefits of eating seafood," says Gary Hummel, Environmental Health Specialist at the Glynn County Health Dept., "it is also essential to outline the potential hazards in some select areas."

    The first phase of the project -- development of an educational tool for community dissemination -- has already been completed.  It was not easy.  Pages of complex information on varying advisories for different types of seafood in different parts of Glynn County's estuarine system had to be combined into a simple, graphically-understandable two-sided, one sheet presentation explaining what could be eaten how often from where.  In addition, the resource needed to explain how to clean the fish to remove toxins and how to best cook them. 

    Dr. Randy Manning, Coordinator of the EPD's Environmental Toxicology Program, helped combine the multiple advisories into one.  He pointed out, however, that "this is an excellent example of an educational resource developed primarily by local interests and tailored to address specific community needs. The public should note," says Manning, "that these are advisories about consumption, not about fishing.  It is always safe to catch a fish; it may not always be safe to eat it."  Glynn County advisories cover the entire Turtle River system from the Jekyll pier to its headwaters and parts of Terry Creek, Dupree Creek, and Back River.  The education piece highlights these areas in bright yellow.

    "But," cautions Hummel, "women who are pregnant or nursing and children under the age of seven who eat contaminated seafood are at higher risk. This group should  strictly adhere to the published guidelines and may wish to reduce their intake of selected fish types from the advisory areas.  Don't stop eating seafood; it is a most important source of nutrition, providing essential proteins, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals."

    Another important consideration is the size and age of the fish consumed.  "People like to catch big fish," Manning says, "but the older and larger fish are likely to be more contaminated than younger, smaller fish, simply because they have had more time for the poisons to bio-accumulate.  Consume the little fish; throw the big ones back."

    The GEC has contracted with Clyde Williams to do public outreach with the educational flyer.  Frank Lea, Coalition President, says "We are very fortunate to have Mr. Williams handling this part of the project.  He has been fishing our local waters for more than 50 years and knows who needs this information."  Mr. Williams had a 42 year career in public education in McIntosh and Glynn Counties.  He was the Principal of Glynn Academy from 1980 --to 1994.  And he has a personal interest in this project.

    "The Turtle River area was one of my favorite fishing spots before the pollution was discovered," states Williams.  "I have to wonder what effect eating those fish has had on me and my family.  I want to be sure no one is harmed by eating fish from there."  Mr. Williams echoes the advice of Dr. Manning: "Don't save anything you wouldn't eat.  If you aren't going to eat it, put it back."

    Williams will concentrate on teaching people how to properly clean and prepare locally caught fish.  "Some people want to cook them with everything on, head and all," he says.  "Don't.  Take off the head, remove the guts, and remove the fatty dark parts and the skin.  Those are the parts which will hold the most poison.  Then, the safest ways to cook the fish are broiling, baking, or grilling.  You can deep-fry the fish, but do not re-use the oil.  Pan-frying is the worst way to cook the fish, because all the poison stays right there in the pan."

    Williams is taking the two-sided, full color educational piece throughout the community to places where people who need this information can get it.  It is available in both English and Spanish from the maternity ward at the Hospital, from CRD and the Health Department, and from many bait shops, fishing license purchase points, and at fishing spots themselves.  Copies are being laminated for posting at docks and boat ramps and for use in fish shops.  The Spanish version is being disseminated by the local Latin-American Association.  Both versions are also available online at www.glynnenvironmental.org.  Interested parties may also call the GEC directly at 466-0934.

    Williams and Spud Woodward, the Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries at CRD, are working on a plan to do hands-on education for the local community. "Printed materials are a great way to educate the public, but there is no substitute for talking with people" says Woodward.  "We look forward to helping Mr. Williams show anglers how to prepare their catch in a way that reduces risk of exposure to contaminants."  Groups wishing to schedule such a program may contact the GEC at 466-0934.

    Other contact numbers are 264-3931 for the Glynn County Health Department and 264-7218 for the Coastal Resources Division.

    The educational project is scheduled through August.