The State Health Director has said that finfish, crabs and shrimp harvested from North Carolina s coastal waters are safe to eat as long as they are cleaned and cooked properly, said DMF Director Pres Pate. There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding our fisheries since Hurricane Floyd - we want to let everyone know that our fish, shrimp and crab fisheries are open. When people eat shellfish they typically eat the entire animal, including the digestive tract, where bacteria can accumulate.
Bacteria can lead to illness and that is why a ban on shellfish harvest is in effect.
In order to ensure that other contaminants contained in flood waters are not affecting our fisheries, we have begun toxin testing in various coastal locations, said Pate. We are testing for heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides in finfish, shrimp and crabs. Initial test results should be available late next week and subsequent testing will follow throughout October. Test results will be made available as soon as possible - the public s safety is our primary concern. A single crab pot attached to a shore or pier may be used without a license - also seines and trotlines Marking all RCGL gear with pink buoys.