SEA SURVIVAL FOOD TIPS
Obtaining food along a seashore should not present a problem. There are many types of seaweed and other plants you can easily find and eat.
There is a great variety of animal life that can supply your need for food in this type of survival situation.
Mollusks
Mussels, limpets, clams, sea snails, octopuses, squids and sea slugs are all edible. Shellfish will usually supply most of the protein eaten by coastal survivors. Avoid the blue-ringed octopus and cone shells. Also, beware of "red tides" that make mollusks poisonous. Apply the edibility test on each species before eating.
Worms
Coastal worms are generally edible but it is better to use them for fish bait. Avoid bristle worms that look like fuzzy caterpillars. Also avoid tubeworms that have sharp-edged tubes. Arrowworms, alias "amphioxus," are not true worms. You find them in the sand and are excellent either fresh or dried.
Crabs, Lobsters and Barnacles
These animals are seldom dangerous to humans and are an excellent food source. The pincers of larger crabs or lobsters can crush a person's finger. Many species have spines on their shells, making it preferable to wear gloves when catching them. Barnacles can cause scrapes or cuts and are difficult to detach from their anchor, but the larger species are an excellent food source.
Sea Urchins
These are common and can cause painful injuries when stepped on or touched. They are also a good source of food. Handle them with gloves and remove all spines.
Sea Cucumbers
This animal is an important food source in the Indo-Pacific regions. Use them whole after evisceration or remove the five muscular strips that run the length of its body. Eat them smoked, pickled or cooked.
>> BACK TO SEA SURVIVAL MAIN PAGE >>
