February 21, 2015 — However, there is uncertainty about the level of mercury concentration that can be contained within a member of the species, and whether there should be any concern about serving up the shelled reptile.
Montclair State University doctoral candidate Natalie Sherwood and Dr. Meiyin Wu, a biology and microbiology professor at the university and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection began investigating that matter back in 2013.
The project is still ongoing because the scientists have not been able to test enough turtles.
“Mercury contamination in human food poses a significant threat to human health globally,” Wu said. “The consumption of turtle meat is of special concern due to mercury's ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify. Since turtles are long-lived predators, it allows for a higher degree of mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification.”
The common snapping turtle is the largest turtle in the state, excluding sea turtles, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and can be found anywhere in the state.
The Department of Environmental Protection allows anyone with a valid fishing license or anyone entitled to fish without a license to take up to three snapping turtles per day from Jan. 1 through April 30 and from June 16 through Dec. 31.