Fisheries within the US broadly and New York State specifically are predominantly defined as ‘recreational’. The prevailing view of recreational fishing as an activity constructed for men and sport continues to structure research and management approaches. Reports are growing, however, of New York State fisheries providing multidimensional recreational, cultural, identity/sense of place, social, economic, health and wellbeing, and nutritional services to people accessing these fisheries. The food security value of fisheries, both for the provision of nutrition and access to culturally appropriate and important foods, are particularly overlooked. At the same time, the potential food safety risks of these fisheries may be misunderstood when fishers are targeting different species and eating their catch more frequently than is traditionally recognized.

Better understanding the modalities of use of New York State’s Great Lakes fisheries, the diversity of resource users, and the risks and benefits of fish consumption is critically important. Such an understanding will facilitate multiple real-world benefits. First, it will allow for further expansion and targeting of Department of Health communications about fish consumption advisories to diverse groups of fishers and support a balance of risk advisories and recognition of food security benefits. Second, it will support improved fisheries management that better recognizes a range of fishery uses and diverse users.