Contaminants in fish and shellfish in the Stillaguamish River and Port Susan marine areas, Washington

Abstract

The greater Port Susan area of Central Puget Sound, Washington, is home to some of the Stillaguamish Tribe’s fishing, hunting, and gathering areas since time immemorial. It is also a popular sport and commercial fishing area for the public. Large shellfish beds lie in the Port Susan and Stillaguamish estuary and several Pacific salmon species return to the Stillaguamish River and Tulalip fishery every year. Clams and salmon are a local and consumable resource for Tribal members and the public. This review largely confirms existing recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health regarding clam and salmon human consumption advisories.