Many of East Jefferson County’s favorite beaches are closed to shellfish harvesting following an announcement from the county health department Aug. 8 that state water …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had an active account on our previous website, then you have an account here. Simply reset your password to regain access to your account.
If you did not have an account on our previous website, but are a current print subscriber, click here to set up your website account.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
* Having trouble? Call our circulation department at 360-385-2900, or email our support.
Please log in to continue |
|
Many of East Jefferson County’s favorite beaches are closed to shellfish harvesting following an announcement from the county health department Aug. 8 that state water quality testers found high concentrations of the biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP.)
On this list of closures are: Discovery Bay, including the northern Quimper Peninsula around to Point Hudson, Admiralty Inlet and East Marrowstone Island, Kilisut Harbor including Mystery Bay, Fort Flagler State Park, Oak Bay, Mats Mats Bay and Port Ludlow.
The closure includes all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, oysters, mussels and scallops. Jefferson County Public Health has posted Danger signs at public access points in the area. Crab and shrimp are not included in the closure. However, even if the crab meat is safe, toxins can accumulate in crab gut and butter (the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell). The health department advises crabbers to clean crabs thoroughly and avoid eating the crab butter and guts.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can be fatal. 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 www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.
The status of beaches changes often, so check frequently for the latest conditions. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches or call WDFW Fish Program customer service at 360-902-2700.
