Port Townsend Bay remains closed to recreational shellfish harvesting following an announcement from state and county public health officials on Aug. 30 that water testing showed high levels of the biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

With the closure, the recreational harvest of all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, oysters, mussels and scallops, is prohibited.

Staff with the Jefferson County Public Health Department posted danger signs at public access points in the area.

While crab and shrimp are not included in the closure, toxins can accumulate in crab guts and butter (the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell). Health officials recommend cleaning crab thoroughly and avoid eating the crab butter and guts. 

In addition, and after a recent shellfish closure on Aug. 14, department of health officials reopened Quilcene and Dabob Bay for recreational shellfish harvesting on Aug. 29.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) can be fatal. The illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium.

The biotoxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours, and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and paralysis. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions, call 911.

To learn which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) harvesting seasons and rules, please check the map at doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. The status of beaches changes often, so check for the latest conditions. For updated information on regulations and seasons, visit wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches or call the WDFW Fish Program customer service at 360-902-2700.