Shellfish harvesting closed in Liberty Bay

9 hours ago

2 min read

Tests show high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

CLOSURE AREA: Liberty Bay.

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 for shellfish advisories in the area where you plan to harvest:

ONLINE:

Visit the state shellfish safety map OR
Read the current list of marine biotoxin shellfish closures by county.

AND

View the water contact advisories and pollution-related shellfish closures in Kitsap County.

BY PHONE:

Call the Kitsap Public Health Shellfish Hotline: 1-800-2BE-WELL (1-800-223-9355)

2) Check the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish harvest seasons and licensing requirements online or by phone at 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, 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.