SAN DIEGO -- The health risks of eating fish were debated Monday at a national forum in San Diego, 10News reported.

Scientists from the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and public health officials discussed mercury levels in fish.

The FDA and the EPA are working together to advise consumers about mercury levels in different varieties of fish. There are already warnings about high mercury levels in canned tuna, swordfish, shark, tilefish and mackerel.

Women who are pregnant, or nursing, and children should avoid high mercury fish altogether. Dr. David Acheson, the FDA's chief medical doctor for food safety, said all others should limit consumption of those fish.

"If you eat a serving of albacore, you can certainly have a serving of a second type of fish in the same week but make it something different," Acheson said.

EPA scientists said since mercury stays in the environment for a long time, fish will continue to be exposed to mercury contamination.