PORT TOWNSEND — A harmful algae bloom in Discovery Bay that caused a shellfish closure in April has dissipated, and shellfish samples were found to have safe levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Jefferson County Public Health reported last week.
Butter and varnish clams retain biotoxins longer than other species, so Discovery Bay in both Jefferson and Clallam counties remains closed to the recreational harvesting of these species. Harvesting of other types of shellfish is safe, according to the state Department of Health.
Signs have been posted at public access points indicating the change, said Michael Dawson, Jefferson County water quality manager, in a press release.
That brings Discovery Bay in line with other beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Jefferson and Clallam counties, all of which are closed to butter and varnish clams only.
A red-orange bloom of algae is visible in Dabob Bay, but it is not a toxin producer, Dawson said.
Washington SeaGrant confirmed that the bloom was caused by the marine phytoplankton Noctiluca scintillans, he added.
Ocean beaches are closed to all species — meaning all clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
The DOH Shellfish Safety Map shows up-to-date information for recreational shellfish harvesting at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm.
Information also is available at the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-562-5632.
Recreational harvesters can check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ shellfish or the shellfish rule change hotline at 1-866-880-5431.
