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Fish And Shellfish Consumption: Traditions, Regulations, And A Cleaner Environment In The Us Pacific Northwest, Jennifer Stiles, Ruth M. Sofield

Environmental Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

When discussing the benefits of fish consumption, we typically focus on the health benefits such as Omega‐3 fatty acids and their implications for heart health. However, nonhealth related benefits of fish consumption are important to consider. With Washington State's broad coastline, fish consumption is abundant and plays an integral role in the traditions of the Native Americans in the state. Fish and shellfish are an important part of the daily diet. There is also spiritual significance with traditions that include the “First Salmon Ceremony,” where the first salmon of the year is honored to ensure that its spirit is released …