Identifying and Communicating Health Risks from Subsistence Fish Consumption along the Lower Cape Fear River

Abstract

This project examines the health risks associated with consuming wild-caught fish from the Lower Cape Fear River (LCFR) region of North Carolina. This region has elevated levels of PFAS, mercury, and PCBS, which have prompted updated fish consumption advisories. Despite these risks, subsistence fishing persists due to cultural significance and the role it has as being a low-cost protein source for food insecure communities. Through a literature review and semi-structured interviews, this project identifies barriers to adopting alternative proteins and assesses the state of food insecurity in the region. These findings help to inform recommendations for revising the “Stop, Check, Enjoy!” social marketing campaign, emphasizing culturally-sensistive, and community-centered strategies to address food insecurity and environment health disparity in the LCFR region.