Jefferson’s Dabob Bay opens for harvesting of some shellfish species

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, December 3, 2014

PORT TOWNSEND — Dabob Bay has partially reopened to recreational shellfishing, although butter and varnish clamming remains closed because of the danger of potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), Jefferson County Public Health said Tuesday.

The closure zone includes Tarboo Bay, the western shore of the Toandos Peninsula south to Zelatched Point and the eastern shore of the Bolton Peninsula to its southern tip near Red Bluff.

Quilcene Bay, including Point Whitney, remains closed for all species.

The county health department closed Dabob Bay on Sept. 11 when shellfish testing revealed high levels of PSP toxins from a bloom of marine algae.

Lethal levels in Dabob Bay mussels, oysters and clams spread south to Hood Canal.

In both Jefferson and Clallam counties, Pacific Ocean beaches remain closed to all species, including clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates.

In Clallam County, public beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain closed for varnish clams east of Cline Spit.

Sequim Bay is closed to all species. West of Cline Spit, the Strait is closed for both butter and varnish clams.

Possibly fatal

PSP can sicken and possibly kill people with marine toxins that are not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

In most cases, the algae that contains the poisons cannot be seen and must be detected by laboratory testing.

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 possible death.

Anyone experiencing such symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately and call 9-1-1 in extreme cases.

Recreational closures do not apply to shrimp. Crabmeat is safe, but crab innards, also known as butter, may contain harmful levels of toxins. Clean crabmeat thoroughly and discard the guts.

Commercially harvested shellfish are tested before sale for safety.

Recreational shellfishers should check the state Department of Health shellfish safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington.

Recreational shellfishers also should check the state Fish and Wildlife regulations at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish.