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Shellfish harvesting closed in Hood Canal south of Hood Canal bridge

  • Jun 12
  • 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.


Shellfish Harvesting Advisory.

CLOSURE AREA:  From the Hood Canal Bridge 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:


 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. Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP toxin levels meet or exceed 80 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.


Samples for this closure showed concentrations of 2,785 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.

 

Resources



Washington shellfish safety map

View full screen at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.



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