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Shellfish harvesting closed for Colvos Passage

  • jessicaguidry3
  • Aug 8
  • 2 min read

Tests show high levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)


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CLOSURE AREA: Colvos Passage, from Point Southworth, south to the Pierce county line. 

Existing shellfish closures remain in effect.  

SPECIES AFFECTED: All recreational shellfish harvesting for all species of clams, oysters, and mussels. Shrimp and crab are not included in this closure, but crabs should be cleaned prior to cooking, and the “crab butter” should be discarded. 


Anyone planning to harvest or consume local, recreationally harvest shellfish must first:


1) Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:

 2) Check the harvest seasons and licensing requirements:

  • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website

  • Call 1-866-880-5431 


Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)


Early symptoms include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating toxic shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop. Symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people feel nauseous or experience a sense of floating. If a person consumes enough toxin, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed, including muscles used for breathing, and the victim can suffocate. Death from Paralytic Shellfish Poison has occurred in less than 30 minutes.



Shellfish monitoring


The Kitsap Public Health District, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Clean Water Kitsap, test shellfish locations throughout Kitsap County. Samples for this closure showed concentrations of 112 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP toxin levels meet or exceed 80 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue. 


Warning signs have been posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas. 



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