Shellfish poisoning closes Skagit County beaches to recreational harvesting

The Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational harvest for all shellfish species in most areas from Skagit Bay north to Padilla Bay, starting July 26 when they closed Similk Bay and Skagit Bay. On Aug. 8 Samish Bay, Guemes, Cypress, Sinclair. Vendovi, Hat and Saddlebag islands, Padilla Bay and West Fidalgo Island were added

The Skagit County Health Department posted press releases announcing the closures, stating “due to recent samples of shellfish containing elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins, the Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational harvest for all shellfish species.”

The closures are expected to last for a while due to high temperatures this summer, said Samantha Russell, staff with the Skagit County Department of Public Health.

Molluscan shellfish include clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters and snails. PSP and other naturally occurring biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Crab meat is not affected, but “crab butter” and crab entrails can contain biotoxins and should be discarded during PSP advisories. Algae that contain the toxins cannot be seen and must be detected by laboratory testing.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning closures are impacting most coastal communities in the state. Sampling determines closures being lifted or expanded. Biotoxin levels can change rapidly. Shellfish harvesters are advised to “Know Before You Dig” by public health officials.

Health staff advise to always check for closures at the shellfish safety map, the best source. They also advise to call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline, 800-562-5632.

Early symptoms of PSP can set in within 30 minutes of shellfish consumption and may include: numbness and tingling around the lips/tongue, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, numbness in arms/legs, muscular paralysis or coordination loss, dizziness and incoherence, headache, rapid pulse and/or respiratory distress. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish, have someone take you to the emergency room immediately or call 911.

For shellfish-related illness prevention information go to https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illness-prevention.

Read the complete press release: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Home/press/080824.htm.

At Skagit County Public Health: Samantha Russell: [email protected], (360) 416-1566.