Many Jefferson County beaches bays closed to recreational shellfish harvests

Published 12:01 am Friday, July 20, 2012

PORT TOWNSEND — Elevated levels of the potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning, also known as PSP, found in shellfish samples have prompted closures of Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay beaches to recreational shellfish harvesting.

The Jefferson County Public Health Department announced the closures by the state Department of Health on Thursday.

Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat, the state Health Department has said.

PSP, commonly known as “red tide,” is a neurotoxin that can trigger paralysis at high concentrations.

Signs have been posted at high-use beaches warning people not to consume shellfish from these areas, the county Health Department said.

High levels of marine toxins have prompted closures of Dabob Bay, Quilcene Bay, Port Townsend and Kilisut Harbor — including Mystery Bay — Discovery Bay, Sequim Bay and beaches from Dungeness Spit to Cape Flattery.

Beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Dungeness Spit west to Cape Flattery had been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting earlier because of PSP.

Sequim Bay also was closed earlier this month because of both PSP and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, or DSP.

DSP is a marine toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and chills, with symptoms typically passing quickly.

Quilcene, Dabob and Discovery bays were closed earlier in July because of DSP.

The discovery was the first time any toxin has been found in shellfish in either Quilcene Bay or Dabob Bay.

Seasonal closures for shellfish harvesting are in effect for all Pacific Ocean beaches in both counties.

All shellfish

The closures are for recreational harvest of all shellfish species, including clams, oysters, mussels and scallops.

It does not apply to shrimp.

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.

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, phone 9-1-1.

In most cases, the algae that contain the toxins cannot be seen and must be detected using laboratory testing.

Recreational shellfish harvesters should check http://tinyurl.com/8482ksr or phone 800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish.