While mussels are abundant in the Delaware River in 2026, it is strongly recommended that you do not eat them. There are two primary reasons for this. First, most of the mussels found in the river are freshwater mussels, which are generally considered unpalatable—often described as "tough and muddy"—compared to the blue mussels found in the ocean. Second, and more importantly, mussels are filter feeders. They act as the river's natural vacuum cleaners, absorbing and concentrating pollutants from the water, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, as well as PCBs and bacteria from urban runoff. In 2026, the Delaware River Basin Commission continues to monitor water quality, and while it has improved significantly over the decades, the "bioaccumulation" of toxins in shellfish remains a high health risk. Furthermore, many species of freshwater mussels in the Delaware are threatened or endangered; disturbing or harvesting them is illegal in many jurisdictions like Pennsylvania and New Jersey to protect the delicate river ecosystem and ensure their role in water filtration continues.