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Detroit River

Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC)

The Detroit River AOC is shared between Michigan and Ontario, Canada and stretches 32 miles to connect Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Historically, the Detroit River has been a source of water for various industries. For decades, the river has been impacted by untreated waste discharges and contaminants from urban development and stormwater runoff. These pollution sources have contributed to high levels of bacteria, oils, chemicals including dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals like mercury.

Cover of the Eat Safe Fish GuideView the fish consumption guidelines for this waterbody in the Southeast Eat Safe Fish Guide.

The rules and regulations for this waterbody can be found in the DNR Fishing Guide.

Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Eat Safe Fish from Areas of Concern (factsheet)

Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

Detroit River Area of Concern

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Detroit River Area of Concern

University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment

2008 - Environmental Justice and Fish Consumption Advisories on the Detroit River Area of Concern