Interesting bits: Blood Worms

Digging Blood Worms along Maine Coast

Digging Blood Worms along Maine Coast

Worm Digger

Blood worms live in the oozy mudflats at low tide where they eat dead and decaying seaweed, leaves and other vegetation.

 

 

Digging Blood Worms along Maine Coast

Anna German, 42, of Milbridge has been digging blood worms for ten years. “It is hard work, but I love the freedom.” (Bangor Daily News/Gabor Degre)

100’s of Mainers make their living digging for these worms with hoes year round.  Sometimes you’ll see them working the flats off Long Cove near Sears Island.

 

 

 

Digging Blood Worms along Maine Coast

Bloodworms can grow over 2 feet long, they have four tiny fangs and translucent bodies that reveal their blood-red body fluids.

 

 

Digging Blood Worms along Maine Coast

Catching a Stripper!

Fisherman love them and they are big business now because the European markets can’t seem to get enough of them.  Apparently mud-worms love to travel so good digging grounds today might be barren tomorrow.