To: Seafood Discussion List
In case you or your customers have concerns about the safety or quality of
Gulf Coast seafood following hurricane Katrina, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration has been collecting and testing samples.
Previously the report was that there was no negative impact.
A NOAA news release (below) affirms earlier statements regarding the
condition of the seafood for human consumption.
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LATEST TESTS OF NOAA GULF FISH SURVEYS SHOW NO NEGATIVE IMPACT ON SEAFOOD QUALITY
Jan. 19, 2006 - NOAA announced today that analyses of the second and third
round of toxicology survey results from Gulf water, marine species and
sediment samples show no elevated toxins of bacteria from recent
hurricanes. Agency scientists have been collecting samples since two weeks
after Katrina made landfall. The initial samples contained no elevated
toxins or bacteria. The latest analyses
(http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/hurricane_katrina/) also found no cause for
concern.
The samples were tested for toxins that might have been released into the
marine ecosystem after hurricane flooding, such as PCBs, pesticides, and
fire retardants. All samples show the levels of these compounds are well
below federal guidelines for safe seafood consumption. The samples also
were tested for potential bacteria such as E. coli, which is associated
with human fecal contamination. None of the samples harbored the bacteria,
although other vibrio bacteria that normally inhabit the marine
environment were found. Steven Murawski, director of scientific programs
at the NOAA Fisheries Service, said that the presence of vibrio bacteria
is expected, and the FDA recommends that fish, crab and shrimp be
thoroughly cooked prior to consumption.
The survey results are consistent with similar findings recently announced
by the FDA, the EPA, and the States of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama,
which concluded Gulf seafood was deemed safe for human consumption. NOAA
continues its sampling program in the Gulf of Mexico to detect potential
trends or changes that might occur over time. Also, a just completed NOAA
survey also shows that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not cause a
reduction in fish and shrimp populations in offshore areas of the Gulf of
Mexico.
For further details, read the NOAA press release at:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2562.htm
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Pamela Tom
University of California, Sea Grant Extension Program
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