The state Department of Health has closed Strait of Juan de Fuca beaches from Low Point/Lyle River east through Discovery Bay to recreational shellfish harvesting.
Elevated amounts of the marine biotoxin that causes the potentially fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) were found in recent tests of shellfish samples.
“Shellfish closures have been widespread this season, even well into the winter, which is very atypical compared to prior years,” said Michael Dawson, water quality manager for Jefferson County Public Health, in a press release.
This most recent closure is for all species and includes Sequim Bay and Dungeness Bay.
All ocean beaches are closed to recreational harvesting.
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Usually, algae blooms back off in winter and shellfish harvesting closures are unnecessary.
That is not true this year.
“It certainly is not a frequent occurrence,” Dawson said Tuesday. “Some years are worse than others. This past season shaped up to be a pretty bad one for PSP all over Puget Sound,” including the North Olympic Peninsula.
“Here in Jefferson County, we had closures in places where we don’t usually have them,” Dawson added.
Also unusual is that Discovery Bay toxins had improved in the fall and then took a turn for the worse, “and I don’t remember seeing that before,” Dawson said.
All species means clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. All areas are closed for the sport harvest of scallops.
These closures do not apply to shrimp. Crab meat is not known to contain biotoxins, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (butter).
PSP can be fatal. Symptoms can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing, and paralysis.
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately.
For extreme reactions call 9-1-1.
The resurgence of PSP in shellfish illustrates the need for people to check the state’s shellfish safety map and other information venues even in winter, Dawson said.
“Usually it is fine in winter, but not in this case,” he said.
Public access points are posted with warning signs, and the DOH Shellfish Safety Map shows up-to-date information for recreational shellfish harvesting at www.doh.wa.gov/ ShellfishSafety.htm.
Recreational harvesters can check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish or the shellfish rule change hotline at 1-866-880-5431.
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Executive Editor Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3530 or at lleach@peninsuladailynews.com.
