Recreational shellfish harvesting shut down

at Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay, and Kilisut Harbor

Posted

Recreational shellfish harvest for all species of mollusks has been banned at Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay, and Kilisut Harbor, Jefferson County Public Health announced Wednesday.

The Washington State Department of Health ordered the closure July 20.

The shellfish harvesting ban does not include crabs and shrimp.

The shutdown was prompted by tests from recent shellfish samples were found to contain elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

Local health officials said danger signs have been posted at public access points warning people not to consume shellfish from the closure areas.

Health officials warn that PSP can be fatal. Illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium.

Officials also noted that biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking. 

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. People with extreme reactions should call 911.

Officials noted that during the warmer months, the naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria within shellfish is a concern, and Hood Canal currently has a Vibrio bacteria warning. 

The public should cook recreationally harvested shellfish from Hood Canal to 145F internal temperature for 15 seconds. 

Health officials noted shellfish closures are still in effect for Discovery Bay, Quilcene Bay, and Dabob Bay due to Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning.

The Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map has up-to-date information for shellfish harvesting throughout Washington at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm.