Shellfish harvesting closed for Hood Canal shoreline near Holly
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Tests show high levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP).
NOTE: This advisory has been expanded to be from Foulweather bluff south to the Kitsap County line. Read our most recent update.
CLOSURE AREA: Hood Canal shoreline from Tekiu Point south to the Kitsap 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 harvested shellfish must first:
1) Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:
Kitsap Public Health Shellfish Hotline: 1-800-2BE-WELL (1-800-223-9355)
Statewide Shellfish Safety Hotline: 1-800-562-5632
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 poison (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 can occur 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, tests shellfish at locations throughout Kitsap County.
Warning signs will be posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas.
Resources
Marine biotoxins | DOH
Follow Kitsap Public Health District on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Washington shellfish safety map
View full screen at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.
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