PORT TOWNSEND — Declining biotoxin levels have allowed Discovery Bay and parts of Hood Canal to be reopened to recreational harvesting of most species of shellfish.
Discovery Bay shellfishing areas have been reopened to all species except butter and varnish clams, which can retain biotoxins longer, Michael Dawson, water quality lead for Jefferson County Environmental Health, said Tuesday.
Hood Canal beaches from Seal Rock south to the Mason County line have been reopened for all species, he said.
Quilcene and Dabob bays remain closed to the harvest of all species of shellfish because of high levels of the biotoxins that cause the potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Earlier this month, a portion of Hood Canal shoreline never before closed to recreational shellfish harvesting was placed off limits because of high levels of the PSP toxins.
The state Department of Health had closed Hood Canal beaches from Dabob Bay south to the Jefferson County-Mason County line.
Discovery Bay had been closed July 24 when state shellfish testing found high levels of biotoxins that produce diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) caused by a bloom of marine algae.
The bloom lasted until October, when biotoxin amounts in most species returned to safe levels, Dawson said.
Starting in early September, Hood Canal, Quilcene and Dabob area beaches were impacted by a heavy bloom producing the potent nerve toxins that cause PSP, he said.
PSP biotoxins are still high in Quilcene and Dabob Bays, but levels declined enough south of Seal Rock to allow a reopening in that area.
Elsewhere in Jefferson County, Discovery Bay, Kilisut Harbor including Mystery Bay and Port Ludlow including Mats Mats Bay are closed for butter and varnish clams only.
In Clallam County, the recreational harvest of butter clams is closed from Cape Flattery to Dungeness Spit.
Varnish clams are closed along the entire North Olympic Peninsula.
Sequim Bay is closed to all species of shellfish.
Seasonal closures are in effect for all Pacific Ocean beaches.
Closures do 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, health officials say.
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.
DSP is less serious but can cause illness such as can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and chills.
Toxins in shellfish are not destroyed by freezing or cooking.
Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or phoning 800-562-5632.
Recreational shellfishers also should consult state Fish and Wildlife at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
