Additional information - PLUS!
Awesome Find Eric and plus
additional information:
All shellfish runs the risk of having
toxins in them; not just mussels,
but also clams, oysters, scallops,
et cetera. Especially those close to
shallow waters and those presiding
near sewage drain areas or pollution
areas.
This also pertains to certain fish as
well; which are prone to having
mercury in them. It's been a known
factor since first discovered I believe
early 1970s.
In addition, in my area, Blue Crabbing
is discouraged for the same reasons
for the first paragraph.
This is why we do not do the above,
except for using them for "fish bait".
The other problematic in that's not
disclosed is the "RED TIDE" factor,
while some fishes may 'escape' but
exposed to RED TIDE, it can cause
health problem for anyone; this is
the reason why signs are posted
down here in reference to eating raw
seafood or seafood - "Eat At Own Risk".
More and more people are turning to
"Farm Raised" fishery (which includes
shellfish) than wild caught & harvest
unless such area are protected and
deemed 'safe zones'; otherwise you
are running the risk of exposure to
all kinds of health issues.
I am a Rabid Fisherwomen; I know A
LOT about this stuff - this is up in my
avenue! Fresh, Salt & Brackish Water.
There is a time and season for all things
but I also watch the waters and keep
an eye on all things. I don't trust the
Public Health or Environmental Agency
that had stated or reported it's safe.
If clamming was deemed safe, I find a
clam, I will shuck it then and there and
inspect it; 95% of the time, the clam
ends up going to the seagulls for a
fight over "free lunch".
It's getting exceptionally rare now to
even find a safe zone, whereas I don't
waste my time anymore. The last time
I harvested 5 gallon bucket (maximum
per person) which we resulted 15
gallons altogether - and our clams are
exceptionally large, was back in 1995!
By 1999 - it was a waste of time, and
all these Red Tides were getting out
of control as well as pollution.
