If you catch or eat fish from the Cape Fear River basin we want to hear from you!
The Belcher Lab is conducting a research study examining fishing habits and consumption in North Carolina waterways. The anonymous survey is anticipated to take about 7 minutes and will be helpful in understanding where people are fishing, which species of fish are caught and consumed, and how they are prepared.
More Information
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made pollutants that are long-lasting within the environment. Locally, in coastal North Carolina, the Cape Fear River has shown increased levels of PFAS in water due to upstream chemical manufacturing plants. Mounting evidence from human research studies indicates that increased human exposure to PFAS is associated with developmental toxicity, altered immune system function, cancer, metabolic and thyroid dysfunction. Though human exposure to PFAS is primarily through drinking water, evidence has suggested that a fish-based diet may contribute to overall PFAS levels in the body. There is currently no data in North Carolina that links fish consumption and PFAS exposure; community partners are concerned that fish PFAS levels within the Cape Fear River contribute to their individual PFAS levels, and the lack of this information is a critical data gap. The long-term goal is to determine potential PFAS exposure resulting from eating fresh water fish, and this study is important in understanding which communities utilize the Cape Fear River as a source of food or for recreational fishing.
You must be between 18 and 64 years old to participate in the survey.