Forever Problems? Invasive Catfish and PFAS

Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an aquatic invasive species in Eastern Pennsylvania that poses a major threat to a number of different rivers and aquatic ecosystems. It is also a popular sportfish and commonly eaten, but due to the habits of this species it tends accumulate toxins at a higher level than smaller species of fish. These toxins include per-/poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are "forever" chemicals that do not breakdown in nature, can bioaccumulate, and can be dangerous to humans. In this webinar, Olivia Hodgson will explore the relationship between flathead catfish and PFAS/PFOS, and how this can possibly impact human health.

Who is this for?

• Federal, state, and local governments
• Natural resource managers
• People who fish for and eat flathead catfish
• Fisheries managers
• Public health policy makers
• Environmental scientists

What will you learn?

• What PFAS are and how they accumulate in rivers
• How and why flathead catfish are invasive
• The relationship between flathead catfish and PFAS
• The possible impact these have on human health