Group finds contaminated oysters, despite state, federal assurances

[Poboy]

Source: Associated Press

by Cain Burdeau / Associated Press
wwltv.com
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:59 AM


Credit: AP
John Supan, a marine biologist with the Louisiana Sea Grant of Louisiana State University, who specializes in oyster farming research, holds a sample as he checks oysters in his hatchery in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Grand Isle, La., Aug. 9


NEW ORLEANS -- Sampling by environmental groups has found oysters contaminated with oil along the Louisiana coast befouled by the BP PLC oil spill, a finding that casts doubt on statements by state and federal officials that all seafood tested here is safe to eat.

Batches of oysters were sampled on Aug. 2 and 3 near the mouths of the Atchafalaya and Mississippi rivers and laboratory tests revealed the animals were tainted by oil, according to Wilma Subra, a well-known Louisiana chemist working for environmental groups. The oysters were obtained from a reef and an old crab trap, she said.
She said oil was found in the animals even though there was no obvious sign of oil on them. She said the oil -- which she believes comes from the BP oil spill -- at the levels found in lab tests is very unusual.

"We found oysters in the shell and they appeared to have accumulated the hydrocarbons," Subra said. "I would think that these are indications that there is contamination in the oysters and additional sampling should be performed."
The sampling was backed by the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper and the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper.

Read more: http://www.wwltv.com/news/Group-finds-contaminated-oysters-despite-state-federal-assurances-102053233.html

[superconnected]

1. Yes additional sampling should be preformed and additional test for other chemicals.

[dipsydoodle]

2. Oil has a signature

so it shouldn't be too difficult to identify its origin.

[greiner3]

3. Crustacaens;

Are among the first in the food chain to show toxins. They filter water to get their nutrients. It takes longer for other sea life to show toxins. It is 'Silent Spring' all over again.

[nalnn]

4. Contaminated?

They're not just contaminated, They're Dead Jim! At least according to this.

[crim son]

5. If this is the case and I'm sure it is, then WhyTF are we being assured

the shellfish is safe? Whoever made that statement should be prosecuted, the jackass.