SHELLFISH AND SEA ANIMALS

SAFE SHELLFISH

Shellfish can be fun to gather and delicious to eat, but
some care must be taken to be certain that they are safe for
eating. There are no poisonous shellfish, but if shellfish have
been in polluted water or have fed on poisonous organisms
they may be dangerous.

Water is polluted if chemicals, human waste, oil or other
material is in it. Never take shellfish from water known or sus-
pected of being polluted. Always cook shellfish completely so
that all bacteria will be killed.

Red tide or paralytic shellfish poisoning may occur in
coastal waters during the summer months — May to October.

The red tide seen most often in July and August is caused
by the growth of tiny marine organisms (animals) called
Gonyaulax catenella. If shellfish, especially clams and mussels,
feed on these organisms they become poisonous even though
the Gonyaulax catenella are not harmful to the shellfish
themselves.

Shellfish contaminated in this way can cause paralysis and
death in persons who eat them. Cooking will not destroy the
poison. Therefore, in the summer months check with local
fishery officers regarding shellfish conditions.

ABALONE

Abalone are highly prized shellfish. Their cream coloured
meat is a delicacy, and their shells are quite beautiful.

The single shell is iridescent, oval in shape and wavy on

top; it measures three to six inches from the large end to the

tip. The shell is easily distinguished by the row of holes around
the outer edge of the shell.

At low tide abalone can be found on the rocky beaches of
coastal islands. Avoid touching the shell of the animal or
jarring the rock it is sitting on prior to removing it. If the
animal is disturbed it will attach itself tightly to the rock and
will be very difficult to remove. If undisturbed, however, it can
easily be picked off the rock.

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