PORT TOWNSEND — The state Department of Health has closed the Northern Hood Canal area to the recreational harvest of all species of shellfish.
In Jefferson County, Oak Bay south to the Hood Canal Bridge — including Port Ludlow and Mats Mats Bay — is closed to all species of shellfish. All recreational shellfish harvesting is closed north of the bridge. Jefferson County Public Health has posted danger signs at public access points.
The closures are indication of the continued spread of marine biotoxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Most recently, in Kitsap County, the Hood Canal Bridge north to Foulweather Bluff and east to Point No Point is closed to all species of shellfish and Port Gamble Bay also is closed.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca beaches are closed from Cape Flattery to Port Townsend, including Discovery Bay and Sequim Bay. Beaches on Admiralty Inlet and Kilisut Harbor also are closed.
Ocean beaches are closed for the season.
The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of molluscan shellfish.
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Crabmeat is not known to contain the biotoxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (sometimes called the “crab butter”).
Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. People can become ill from eating shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring marine algae containing toxins harmful to humans.
Symptoms of PSP 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. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions call 9-1-1.
In most cases the toxic algae cannot be seen and must be detected by a laboratory. Recreational shellfish harvesters are urged to call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-562-5632, or visit the Department of Health’s Shellfish Safety website at www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety before harvesting anywhere in the state.
