Shellfish harvesting closed for Liberty Bay, Dyes Inlet, Port Washington Narrows, and Sinclair Inlet

Apr 15
1 min read

Updated: Apr 16

Tests show high levels of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poison (DSP).

CLOSURE AREA: All of Liberty Bay, Dyes Inlet, Port Washington Narrows, and Sinclair Inlet.

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:

Shellfish safety clickable map
List of current shellfish marine biotoxin closures
Kitsap Public Health District shellfish advisories
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 Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)

Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported symptom.

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. Shellfish harvesting is closed when DSP toxin levels meet or exceed 16 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue. Samples for this closure showed concentrations of 16-30 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue.

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