Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (U.S.)

"Subsistence food items can be a health concern in rural Alaska because community members often rely on fish and wildlife resources not routinely monitored in these areas for contaminants and diseases. Subsistence activities are a large part of the traditional culture, as well as a means of providing protein in the diets for Tribal members. In response to the growing concerns among Native communities, contaminant concentrations in shellfish and indicators of disease in chum and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus keta and Oncorhynchus nerka) and the shellfish cockles and softshell clams (Clinocardium nuttallii and Mya arenaria) were assessed. In the Spring of 2010, the fish and shellfish were collected from traditional subsistence harvest areas in the vicinity of Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Seldovia, AK, and were analyzed for trace metals and residues of contaminants routinely monitored by the NOAA National Status & Trends Program (NS&T). Additionally, the fish and shellfish were analyzed for the presence, prevalence and severity of tissue abnormalities (histopathology), disease, and parasite infection. The fish and shellfish sampled showed low tissue contamination, and effects of the parasites and diseases were absent or minimal. Taken together, the results showed that the fish and shellfish were healthy and pose no safety concern for consumption. This study provides reliable information for local resource managers and Alaska Native people regarding subsistence fish and shellfish use and management needs."

Technical Memorandum

Alaska

National Ocean Service (NOS)