Sociocultural Considerations of Fish Consumption

This article discusses several different ethnic and other groups of people who consume more fish than others, consume different parts of fish, or who may fish more contaminated waters. Included below are discussions on AsianAmericans, Native Americans, subsistence anglers, and low-income, urban anglers (including African-American and Latino anglers)*. These groups have special behaviors in regard to fish consumption that should be considered in evaluating risks and benefits of fish consumption. Fish advisories can impact social, cultural, religious, and=or economic aspects of life that may affect an individual’s or a group’s health and well-being. A framework for evaluating risks and benefits of fish consumption needs to consider these impacts. Food, as an important part of a culture, serves economic, social, aesthetic, ceremonial, and religious functions. Food is used to solidify social ties.