HomeMy WebLinkAbout081424 email - Press Release_ Quilcene and Dabob Bay Closed for Shellfishing for Jefferson County_ WAALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
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August 14, 2024
Quilcene and Dabob Bay Closed for Shellfishing <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1393>
<http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=19592>
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 ext. 301
Jefferson County, WA. 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 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 or call WDFW Fish Program customer service at 360-902-2700.
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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community
View it on website <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1393>
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