Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments, Mussels, and Clams along the Coast of British Columbia

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) data for sediments and bivalve tissues along the coast of British Columbia (BC) have been compiled to support the Spill Response Team within Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Integrated Marine Response Planning (IMRP) program. The data originate from Ocean Wise Conservation Association’s Pollution Tracker database and include sites funded by DFO, along with additional sites incorporated with permission from partner organizations. A centralized and accessible dataset of background (reference) hydrocarbon concentrations in sediments and bivalve tissues is essential for interpreting environmental sampling results during marine oil spills. Such baseline information provides context for distinguishing spill-related contamination from natural or historical conditions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), key constituents of petroleum products, are routinely measured following spills because of their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties and their documented impacts on fish, marine mammals, and human health through seafood consumption. These compiled data are intended to support oil spill response planning and decision-making, assist contaminant…

Publisher

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Resources

5

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-05-20