The S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control has issued a mercury warning for three types of fish found off the South Carolina coast. According to DHEC, king mackerel more than 39 inches, shark, and tilefish should not be eaten due to high levels of mercury.

The Island Packet adds this:

DHEC says some fish contain mercury levels that are safe to consume in 8-ounce portions, about the size of two decks of cards. People may eat swordfish once a month and king mackerel between 33 and 39 inches once a week, said DHEC. There are no restrictions on king mackerel less than 33 inches.

Every year, DHEC determines which fish are contaminated by sampling catches from rivers, lakes, creeks, estuaries and the ocean. This year, DHEC collected more than 2,000 samples.