Gathering cockles in Tomalas

Hi all,

This is my first post here after being a lurker for a few weeks now, and I was just curious if anyone could tell me about when it is safe to gathercockles in Tomalas. I know where to go and everything, but I can't find any information about when they are safe to gather, or if that even matters. I have been told by some that it is okay in months that have an R and I've also been told its safe when the opposite is true, so I am really unsure.

Thanks in advance.

Hi all,
This is my first post here after being a lurker for a few weeks now, and I was just curious if anyone could tell me about when it is safe to gathercockles in Tomalas. I know where to go and everything, but I can't find any information about when they are safe to gather, or if that even matters. I have been told by some that it is okay in months that have an R and I've also been told its safe when the opposite is true, so I am really unsure.
Thanks in advance.

I don't think this is true for Cockles.  Maybe they're referring to mussels which is affected by the "red tide".

just the mussels? so I wouldn't have to worry about the horse necks either if I decided to do that at some point?

From my understanding filter feeders (clams,mussels) are all subject to "Red Tide" contamination, kelp, algae eaters like Abalone would be ok. So the up to date water quality would be what is needed.
 
My mom was so fussy she would always scrape out the clam stomachs, no matter what. But then she also always cremated the Pork chops for fear of Trinchinosis.

During a red tide or plankton bloom bi-vavle mollusks retain toxic residue in thier filtration system. This doesnt hurt the clam or the scallop or the oyster but it produces a lethal concoction for humans. Gaper clams(horsenecks) are usually nor included when the quarantines are in effect because you are eating only the neck and parts of the muscle inside. Where the trouble starts is mollusks that are consumed whole. Mussles are especially toxic and should be avoided. CA DFG posts warnings and they should be wisely followed. I saw the rescue helicopter come to Timber Cove once to pick-up a man who had eaten a whole rock scallop on a dare during a red tide quarantine. He died before they got to Palm drive in Sebastopol. During a quarantine I would avoid cockle clams as you are eating the whole clam. Oysters dont for some reason pose a risk most of the time. Although rarely I have heard that they were quarantined in extreme events. Go to the side of caution. I also remember a large asian family back in the 80's who harvested mussels during an event and I think more than 3 died from eating them. Check with the DFG if you are going to harvest and eat Cockle clams.

F that! This just confirms the reason why I don't eat oysters, clams, or mussels.    Why bother worrying about when it's SAFE to eat?  During the winter seasons, I suck down enough snot, Don't need to supplement that one bit!

 :smt005That's disgusting, has anyone eaten the farmed mussels? I tried them BBQed once and they were pretty good

Here a few phone numbers and contacts that will help you determine whether you want to eat "cockles," from Tomales Bay.
From the Health Department website: 
510 412-4635 or by e-mail to gregg.langlois@cdph.ca.gov
Gregg is the head of the biotoxin monitoring program and wouldn't have his number on the webpage if he wasn't willing to field a few calls.  He has answered many of my own questions in the past.  California has a biotoxin monitoring hotline which is usually updated every week and will warn of any major algal blooms:  1-800-553-4133.  Calling this number is a must for anyone gathering shellfish in California.
It is true that "cockles" being filter feeders are potential ASP, and PSP risks but they are far less effective as filter feeders than mussels and are not specifically closed during the mussel quarantine (May 1st to October 31st). 

As regards algal blooms or "red tides" in our area.  They are seldom actually red because the density of the phytoplankton is seldom high enough for that.  This is what makes it so insidious to shellfish gatherers--our red tides usually can't be seen. 

Also be advised:  The whole thing about months with "r's" in them has nothing to do with us.  This was a general rule followed by oyster gatherers in medieval England.  You can read all about this in Mark Kurlanski's "The Big Oyster, History on the Halfshell."  Drop everything, buy this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Oyster-History-Half-Shell/dp/0345476387

While months with R's tend to be colder, and less likely to produce the problematic algal blooms associated with PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning) and ASP (amnesiac shellfish poisoning--a wonderful malady that essentially wipes your hard drive clean), they are also associated with periods of heavy rain.  When you consider the amount of toxic run off during the winter, and the massive influx of fecal coliform, you might want to reconsider clamming after a heavy rain, R or no R.

Okay, so now that you are ready to give up.  Know this: I myself have been happily eating shellfish in our area for years.  The example of the guy who died after eating a raw rock scallop is famous to most CA. shellfish gatherers, and a terrible tragedy.  But let's put it in perspective: what year was that?  1982?  1989?  !992?  (not sure, but a while ago).  And how many people have died since then, or before?  I believe the answer to this is ZERO.  There is a greater likelihood of choking to death on a halibut bone.  Of having a meteorite land on you. You've got state agencies sending people out into mussel beds and checking for algal blooms on a weekly basis.  (I know, because I am one of them).  Tomales Bay is checked by biologists every week because the Hog Island Oyster Company can ill afford to have someone get sick and die from one of their oysters.  So Tomales Bay is probably the safest place you can go.  If you want to be doubly careful stop in at Tomales Bay Oyster Company and ask them if the water is safe.

What else:  Archeological remains indicate that Native Americans who lived our shores for thousands of years ate mussels, clams and all manner of shellfish on a daily basis.  They did not have state agencies, biologists etc.  (they also did not produce the kinds of nutrient loads that may increase the likelihood of algal blooms)  Nevertheless, shellfish was their staple food and not so risky that they refrained from eating it from May to November every year.  We live in a society that is hampered and constrained by the ever present threat of liability.  I tend to think that, more than anything else, is what's going on with the six month ban. 

Anyway, hope this has been helpful.  Y'know if you're really into this, a great way to keep a finger on the pulse of things is to volunteer as a sampler for the OEHHA (see the phone numbers and e-mail address listed above), this way you can sample an area, find out within 24 hours whether there are any algal blooms there, and go clam digging a day later with no sense of foreboding at all. . 

Oh man, look at the time gotta scram. 

--Kirk "Monkeyface"

WOW...again kirk busts out da dope!! Thanks  for helping keep us and the fish safe 

Kirk....with 6 posts is dropping knowledge! You rock bro!

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge Kirk!

Kirk. Thanks for the wonderful post. Shellfish gathering has always been one of those things that I've always contemplated trying but was always too damn scared to try. Now, I know that a health dose of fear and respect should always be applied to anything, but this post of yours was a great step in helping my understanding. Funny how some of the best stuff on the internet you can find wedged in the comments of a message board.