Citing declining PCB levels, the New York State Department of Health has relaxed its guidance on human consumption of some species of fish caught in the Lower Hudson River.

For the first time in 50 years, DOH said on April 1, 2026, "everyone in the family can now eat some fish from the Lower Hudson River (Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill to the NYC Battery), including striped bass." That’s a distance of more than 100 miles. 

"The Department's analysis of PCB levels in several fish species allowed the Department to relax advisories based on highly protective PCB guidelines issued in 2020,” DOH said.

The agency said sensitive populations (people who can become pregnant and children under 15) can now consume up to one 8-ounce meal a month of striped bass among some other species from this portion of the river. The general population can eat up to four meals a month.

DOH continues to recommend that Carp and Smallmouth bass from the Lower Hudson not be consumed.