HomeMy WebLinkAbout081424 email - Press Release_ Quilcene and Dabob Bay Closed for ShellfishingGood morning,
Shellfish samples taken recently from Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay tested by the Washington Department of Health (DOH) were found to have high levels of the biotoxin that causes Paralytic
Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Therefore, DOH has closed Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay for the recreational harvest of all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, oysters, mussels,
and scallops. This PSP biotoxin closure includes Point Whitney and extends south to Seal Rock. Jefferson County Public Health has posted Danger signs at public access points in the
area. Crab and shrimp are not included in the closure. Even if the crab meat is safe, toxins can accumulate in crab gut and butter (the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell).
Clean crab thoroughly and avoid eating the crab butter and guts.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can be fatal. Illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium. The biotoxin is not
destroyed by cooking or freezing. 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 paralysis. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions, call 911.
To find out which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) harvesting seasons and rules, please check the map at www.doh.wa.gov/Shellf
ishSafety.htm <http://www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm> or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. The status of beaches changes often, so check frequently for the latest conditions.
For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches <http://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches> or call WDFW Fish Program
customer service at 360-902-2700.
To see this press release on our website, visit: https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1393
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Thank you,
Liz Anderson
Gender Pronouns: she/her/hers
Communications Specialist
Jefferson County Public Health
615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Main: 360-385-9400
Direct: 360-385-9405
landerson@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:landerson@co.jefferson.wa.us> | https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/ <https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/>
<https://www.instagram.com/jeffcopublichealth_wa/> <https://www.facebook.com/jeffersoncountypublichealth/>
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Jefferson County
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