HAMMOND — Indiana anglers who are eating the fish they catch in state waterways could be facing potential health risks because they either don't have a fishing license or haven't checked out warnings issued by the state.

The state issues an annual fish consumption advisory and used to provide the 40-page report to everyone who purchased a fishing license. The Times in Munster reports the state stopped that practice two years ago. Those buying fishing licenses now get a six-page pamphlet containing basic information and a link to the full report online.

Some fear people who are fishing out of economic necessity might not be spending the $17 for a license and aren't getting information about the health risks from toxins stored in the fatty tissues of fish.

Heather Eicher-Miller, director of Indiana's Food for the Hungry program at Purdue University, said food pantries might be a good place to distribute information about the fish consumption advisories. She said such places would reach those most likely to be fishing out of necessity.

"There aren't supposed to be any barriers to access there," she said. "You don't have to provide any information that might keep some of the population ... from seeking assistance," she said.

Phil Bloom, a spokesman for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said the state thinks its best option for informing people of rules and risks lies with information distributed when a fishing license is purchased.

"I certainly understand the economic plight people may be in, but we also need to address that issue," he said. "The best mechanism is to provide that licensed buyer with that information. If there are people out there avoiding purchasing a fishing license, there isn't much we can do about that."

Roger Christian, 68, of Hammond said he fishes in the channel south of Cargill Inc. almost every day. He eats whatever he catches.

He said he wasn't aware of the state advisories but isn't concerned about health risks.

"Oh yeah, this is a clean lake," Christian said.