EATING FISH AFTER OIL SPILL, IS IT SAFE?

Fish is a great source of protein and vitamins, it also contains Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have great health benefits, as it helps reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Altogether fish can be described as a nutritious and healthy food source. However if fish are severely contaminated by oil, both its health and nutrition benefits can be greatly diminished. In cases of oil spills the integrity of available seafood becomes an issue. To ensure public safety, tests and monitoring of seafood is done to avoid health problems. In extreme cases fishing at certain contaminated sites are  temporarily restricted. Fish species can be found in various parts of the water column. As oil sinks to the sea floor via this water column there is a chance for its contact with many fish along the way. Some species that are very susceptible are those that are scavengers and feed on anything including hazardous oil constituents. These species may be feed on by other fish transferring hazardous substance stored in their tissues. As human beings at the top of the food web it is highly likely for us to consume one or more of these contaminated fish.

photo 1* Showing coastal area restriction for fishing. Restriction may be on commercial or recreational fishing.

Oil spills affect fish in two known ways

Taint

 Oil leaves fish “tainted” having characteristics such as :-

1. Possessing an oily smell
2. Having a discoloured appearance
3. Having a rubbery texture when touched

Although tainted meat is not fit for consumption it has no known adverse health effects.

photo 2*  Showing fish covered in oil. This .fish can be considered tainted.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Oil can also leave fish with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in their tissue.These hydrocarbons are cancer causing to humans if consumed in the right amounts over a certain period of time. Also studies have shown that certain PAH (example Benzo[a]pyrene can affect pregnant women causing negative birth effect such as premature birth, hindering heart development and asthma in childhood years.

Photo 3 Showing structure of Benzo[a]pyrene a carcinogenic hydrocarbon.

It is possible to eat fish with PAH’s if its level is within the threshold range for consumption. The process to determine if exposed fish containing PAH is safe to eat is called a Risk Assessment.


   

In recent times, one of the biggest oil spills, was the Deepwater  Horizon OIl spill that ocurred in 2010. The Louisiana fishing industry was seriously impacted by the spill and residents there believe that it still is. They based their judgement on the lack of fishing done in the area and the selling of businesses that  once sold fish produce. Also, they claimed that many people are continually leaving the area. They now describe the area as lifeless in comparison to times when there was non-stop activity. 

References
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/18/lousiana-bp-oil-spill-five-years-not-going-back-to-normal

http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Polycyclic+Aromatic+Hydrocarbons

http://blog.nus.edu.sg/lucastange3246/author/lucastan/page/2/   photo 2 *

http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/06/09/52305/santa-barbara-oil-spill-shoreline-75-percent-clean/      photo 1 *

http://bodyecology.com/articles/oil-spill-fish-safe-to-eat.php

http://seafood.oregonstate.edu/.pdf%20Links/Evaluating%20the%20Risks%20for%20Peple%20Who%20Eat%20Fish%20and%20Shellfish.pdf
http://www.sanichem.com.my/hydrocarbons.html    Photo 3 *