While fishing is a popular sport, it's also an inexpensive way for some people to put food on the table. The government issues advisories on fish consumption and as WBFO's Chris Caya reports, a new resource is available to help people get those warnings quickly and eat fish in a healthier way.
Even though it's been years since the Buffalo area supported lots of heavy industry, some pollutants remain in local waterways, contaminating fish.
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Citizen Action Program Director Kerri Li says a new program's being launched to educate anglers.
"The state issue advisories to people who are eating local fish. And so essentially we are taking the information that is being provided by the state and putting it in a local context so you're able to see what you should eat and at what quantities for the waterway that you're on," said Li.
Li said it's simple and fast to access while the catch of the day is still on the line - just text the letters "COD" to the number 877-877.
"Then you send us a picture of your catch. And then we will text you back a link to our local fish health consumption advisories, that also has information about healthier ways to eat fish," said Li.
Given the large immigrant and refugee population on the city's West Side Li says the advisories are translated into five languages and they contain easy to understand graphics.