The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) issued a reporton the health of two species of salmon and shellfish commonly used for subsistence by three Native Alaskan tribes.
The’ Assessment of contaminant body burdens and histopathology of fish and shellfish species frequently used for subsistence food by Alaska Native communities ‘ was requested by several Native Alaskan tribes following the Exxon Valdez oil spill who wanted assurance that their traditional subsistence seafood were safe to consume. NCCOS partnered with the Chugach Regional Resources Commission, local tribal organizations, the North Pacific Research Board, and NOAA’s Northwest Fishery Science Center to conduct contaminant sampling and analysis featured in the report,
The report concludes that despite the presence of contaminants, the low levels identified do not pose a threat to human health.
For more information, contact Dennis.Apeti@noaa.gov