PORT TOWNSEND — Fort Flagler and Port Hadlock area beaches are closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.
The marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning was found in shellfish samples from the area and prompted the closure Wednesday, adding the two Port Townsend Bay areas to a list of beaches closed in June by the state Department of Health.
Danger signs will be posted in the affected areas, according to Jefferson County Public Health Department.
Discovery Bay, Kilisut Harbor, Mystery Bay and Mats Mats Bay are also listed as closed to recreational shellfish harvesting, according to a state Department of Health news release.
Commercial shellfish are tested prior to distribution and have been deemed safe by the health department.
Clallam County
All Clallam County beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca are closed to recreational shellfish harvests due to the presence of marine biotoxins.
Sequim Bay is closed due to the biotoxin that cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, according to the state Department of Health.
Other Clallam County beaches have been closed to all species for elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes PSP.
Pacific Ocean beaches are under seasonal closure for all species.
PSP
Paralytic shellfish poisoning affects clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of molluscan shellfish.
Crab meat is not affected, but crab guts can contain unsafe levels of the biotoxin. The Department of Health said crab meat should be cleaned thoroughly prior to eating.
The algae containing the toxin cannot be seen without laboratory testing. The biotoxin cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing.
Those who eat PSP-contaminated shellfish can become ill within minutes or hours, showing symptoms of tingling lips and tongue, tingling in the feet and hands, difficulty breathing and potentially, death.
Anyone experiencing such symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.
Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or phoning 800-562-5632.
Health-related closures are in addition to seasonal closures regulated by Fish and Wildlife, found at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
