Natural resource response guide: marine shellfish

The term shellfish covers a broad range of animals from sessile organisms such as mussels and oysters to highly mobile animals such as shrimp. To effectively discuss the animals involved, it is necessary to address them in different groups and subgroups based on the taxonomic classification of the species. The grouping to be used in this guide includes: Crustaceans—shrimp, lobster, crab; Bivalves—oyster, clam, mussel, scallop; Cephalopods—squid, octopus. This guide will discuss the life history, behavior, diet, and habitat of each group and important species within each group. One of the major concerns with shellfish is the possibility of loss of the resource either through death or contamination as a result of a petroleum or chemical spill. Based on analysis of waterborne transport patterns in U.S. ports, petroleum products, acids and bases, and anhydrous ammonia are the most frequently shipped chemicals (Savitsky and Michel, 1986). In addition, chlorinated organics and heavy metals are very common and persistent in the estuarine environment. This guide will specifically address the toxicological effects of these contaminants on shellfish. 1989 NOS (National Ocean Service) Library Public Domain 1937