Some natural food stores and restaurants raise/farm their own fish for sale and/or consumption to the public. It is only a matter of asking the stores and restaurants in your area where they get their fish from and how they fish are raised, cleaned and prepared for sale or consumption. This is how I have located a natural food grocer and a nationally known restaurant that do exactly that.

I also used to love sushi and sashimi (raw fish). Some time ago, I became aware of the mercury levels and toxins in fish. Several times I experienced stomach cramping and became light-headed after eating at one of my favorite restaurants (known for always having fresh fish, a clean restaurant kitchen, and cleanliness as a top priority for their food handlers). A friend, who is an avid fisherman, spoke to me about raw fish and increasing toxin levels. He encouraged me to order only cooked fish items. From that time on, I did not suffer from the physical symptoms previously experienced after eating fish.

I would encourage everyone to seek out information on local waterways and to be aware when buying and consuming fish and related items.
Sue M.
 

Dear Café,
I think this issue’s Hot Topic and Coffee Talk sections are very well done. The article gave factual and insightful information on mercury and its harmful effects. I think this is an excellent topic for women especially because of its relationship to child-bearing. The environment seems to have been put on the back burner by everyone in recent years, so I am glad to see this on your web site.

I also thought the sidebars were especially helpful to grab the attention of those who might skim the article. They gave some big pieces of information. I also appreciate all the links given and the information on the ELCA's social statement (many Lutherans don't even know those exist).

The discussion questions were also quite good. I especially like the fourth question as it reminds us that our Christianity must begin to seep into all aspects of our lives (even the touchy political ones). Thanks for the opportunity to share!
Peace,
Danielle C., Marble Falls, TX
 

Dear Café,
Thanks for the Mercury article. Here are some of my thoughts based on the Coffee Talk questions:

I knew about the dangers of mercury. I have seen guides showing contamination in fish before. And this summer I had read an article about mercury in fillings, the day I happened to have a toothache! Your article’s facts help me to refocus on the dangers mercury in the environment poses to us. Six in 10 childbearing women is a very high statistic. My question when I read this was, “How do I (and others) get tested for mercury?” This question was answered later in the article.

I also enjoy water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. I enjoy fishing and swimming. It will be important to know if being immersed in the water of the natural areas we visit is dangerous. If I made my living from a water-related industry, I think my quality of life would be diminished and I might have to seek another livelihood.

Each of us is called to be stewards of the earth God gave us. We can be active in small and large ways. I take part in managing a small park in our community that has a stream running through it. We emphasize the greater picture — the effects of what we do here on those downstream. Our community watershed organization educates others about contaminant sources and safe water use. Some of my friends support a state environmental council. My family and I take part in the state “Rivers’ Month” river sojourns — a good way to combine a lot of fun with a serious cause. All of these activities bring the importance of environmental issues to the attention of our legislators.

When thinking about this topic, I do have concern for future generations.

It frightens me, yes. It scares me to think that the contamination statistics are already so high. I’m not sure what I can do except to become more informed and proceed from there to inform others.
In light of all of this, I will be ordering a kit — no, two! And I am including the contact information in the agenda of two meetings I am going to this week — one with my church’s Women of the ELCA and the other a county group.
Kathleen M., Annville, PA

Café,
I think the nutrition issue is paramount for younger women. Just yesterday on TV they were talking about a suggested intake of twelve ounces of fish per week as healthy. I know there are some concerns about amount of canned tuna eaten per week (i.e.: tuna sandwiches, etc)

Also, I strongly urge a component on activism — writing, phoning, or e-mailing congressmen and women from the reader's district. An organized campaign in which a suggested letter or message would be good. I belong to an organization which lobbies for the arts, and they send out postcards for people to sign and address. They are very effective. I always get letters back from my representatives telling me how they have voted, etc.
Carol S., Deerwood, MN