Seafood Safety Concerns Linger After Deepwater Horizon Spill
Fishermen and the public remain cautious about shrimp, fish, and other catches from Gulf waters even as the latest shrimping season gets underway in the Gulf of Mexico. In particular, concerns exist about possible oil contamination from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Some also question whether there are potential safety hazards posed by the chemical dispersants used during the oil spill response effort.
In addition to providing a significant source of seafood for the domestic market, Gulf fishing areas provide livelihoods for thousands involved in the commercial fishing industry. Now both the market, and those who earn a living supplying it, are left wondering whether catches from the Gulf are safe for consumption.
Of primary concern are potential cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are common pollutants from petroleum products, combustion, and other sources. Even though federal agencies have deemed many Gulf waters safe, background concerns linger regarding oil residues that can remain unseen and undetected on the sea floor. In addition, wildlife exposed to oil spill pollution retain and metabolize PAHs at different rates, causing confusion about what types of wildlife are safe for harvesting and consumption.
While the confusion and concern persist, the federal government continues heightened testing of fish and other stocks taken from the Gulf, grinding up samples in an attempt to detect even tiny amounts of remaining contaminants.
Mariners and consumers alike can do little but watch and wait, as only time and more testing will reveal the true scope of the Deepwater Horizon's legacy.
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