Pregnant women should stop eating some kinds of fish — but carrying on eating others, according to Chief Medical Officer John Cann.

Recent tests show some Bermuda fish have high levels of mercury, meaning they should be eaten in moderation or avoided by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

However, Dr. Cann is keen to point out fish have so many beneficial properties that people should not avoiding eating ones which do not have high mercury levels.

The Department of Health says the following fish have high levels of mercury and should not be consumed by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy: blue martin, swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tilefish.

Fish which should be eaten not more than once weekly by that group are: amberjack, deep water red snapper, grouper, jacks.

Those which can be eaten twice weekly: bonita, coney, hind, spiny lobster, robin, snapper (red, grey, yellowtail), black and yellowfin tuna, wahoo.

Safe to eat: barber, chub, dolphinfish, canned light tuna, salmon, shrimp, pollock.

Dr. Cann said in a statement: "In December 2007, the Department of Health issued an advisory to local physicians that pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women planning to become pregnant and young children should limit the consumption of fish with high levels of mercury.

"However, since fish provide an excellent source of essential nutrients which are beneficial to everyone, it is recommended that fish with lower levels of mercury contamination should continue to be consumed on a regular basis by the general population, including pregnant women and young children.

"This advisory is in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines for America."

The Department of Health is developing an information leaflet for the public, expected for publication in the New Year. For more details go to www.health.gov.bm or call the Chief Medical Office on 278-4900.