PORT TOWNSEND — Mystery Bay and Kilisut Harbor have been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting because of elevated levels of marine toxins that cause the potentially lethal paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The closed area includes all of Kilisut Harbor up to the southern edge of Fort Flagler State Park. It is for all species of shellfish.
The state Department of Health found the elevated levels in samples of shellfish from Mystery Bay, Jefferson County Environmental Health said in a news release issued Friday.
Mystery Bay was previously under a seasonal closure.
A danger sign has been posted at Mystery Bay warning people not to consume shellfish from the area.
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxins prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Elsewhere in Jefferson County, Hood Canal beaches from the Hood Canal Bridge south to Brown Point are closed to recreational harvest of all types of shellfish, as are those on Discovery Bay and Port Ludlow, including Mats Mats Bay.
In Clallam County, beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca east to the Jefferson County line are closed to recreational harvest of all species of shellfish, as are Sequim and Discovery bays.
Ocean beaches in both counties are closed for the season.
The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of molluscan shellfish.
This closure 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 (also known as the “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 paralytic shellfish poisoning (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 algae that contain the toxins cannot be seen and must be detected using laboratory testing.
Recreational shellfish harvesters should check the shellfish safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the biotoxin hotline at 800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in the state.
Recreational harvesters should also check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish or call the hotline at 866-880-5431.