The northeastern United States is influenced by the atmospheric deposition of mercury. Subsequent integration of methylmercury into aquatic food webs results in contamination levels in fish that are high enough to present health concerns for humans who consume fish. Resource and sampling limitations have hindered a comprehensive understanding of mercury in the environment and relative levels of methylmercury exposure. Because of these limitations, data collection should maximize the benefits of information gained through monitoring programs. In this article we review recent efforts to collect and integrate fish mercury data and offer suggestions to improve and focus future research and monitoring efforts to better address threats to human health. By selecting appropriate target species—those species and sizes of fish harvested for consumption and those with the highest and most variable mercury concentrations in a given location—health and fisheries professionals can more comprehensively advise fish consumers and protect human health.