Why should shellfish for eating not be stored in water or a sealed container?

Shellfish live on the sea floor where much bacteria and toxins are present.

In addition, many shellfish, such as clams and oysters, are Filter feeders and have a tendency to accumulate these chemical substances in their bodies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 5-10% of raw mollusks coming to market are contaminated with Vibrio. In addition, paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) although less common, is still a real and potential danger associated with shelled sea life that can cause paralysis and even death to its victims.

To be on the safe side try substituting shellfish with protein alternatives.