SEQUIM — The recreational harvest of all shellfish species except butter and varnish clams has been approved at Sequim Bay thanks to a decrease in marine biotoxins in the area, though the season for such harvests remains closed at the bay’s state park.
The bay was previously closed to the harvest of all species because of elevated levels of biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP.
Recent testing shows those biotoxins have decreased, allowing the clearance by the state Department of Health, according to a Monday news release from Clallam County Health and Human Services.
Though harvest of shellfish species has been approved, the season for harvesting at Sequim Bay State Park remains closed under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The harvest season is expected to reopen in 2016 at a date to be determined.
The Department of Health clearance excludes butter and varnish clams because those species retain toxins longer than other shellfish.
Elsewhere in Clallam County, all beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Cape Flattery eastward to the Jefferson County line are cleared for the recreational harvest of all shellfish species, with the exception of Discovery Bay, where the harvest of butter and varnish clams is closed.
In Jefferson County, the only closures are at Discovery Bay and Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, which remain closed only to the harvest of butter and varnish clams.
A seasonal closure is in effect on all Pacific Ocean beaches in both counties.
Health-related closures are in addition to seasonal closures regulated by Fish and Wildlife. Their closures and seasons can be found on their website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/beaches/beach_names.php. Their emergency regulation hotline is 1-866-880.5431.
All species of shellfish refers to clams, oysters, mussels and other species of molluscan shellfish.
Commercially harvested shellfish are tested for toxins prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Danger signs are posted or will be posted at commonly used public access points to beaches where harvesting closures exist.
Crab meat is not known to contain biotoxins, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. Clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (also known as the “butter”).
Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning 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 potentially death.
Recreational shellfish harvesters should check the shellfish safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the biotoxin hotline at 800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in the state.
