HomeMy WebLinkAbout082924 - Port Townsend Bay Closed for Shellfish_ Quilcene and Dabob Bay Opening 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.
View this in your browser <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1406>
This complimentary message is being sent to opt-in subscribers who might be interested in its content. If you do not wish to continue receiving these messages, please accept our apologies,
and unsubscribe by following the instructions at the bottom of this message.
* * * * * * *
August 29, 2024
Port Townsend Bay Closed for Shellfish; Quilcene and Dabob Bay Opening <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1406>
<http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=19738>
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 ext. 301
Jefferson County, WA. Shellfish samples from Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend Bay for the recreational harvest of all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops.
Jefferson County Public Health has posted Danger signs at public access points in the area. Crab and shrimp are not included in the closure. 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.
In addition, after a recent shellfish closure on August 14, 2024, DOH has opened Quilcene and Dabob Bay for recreational shellfish harvesting of all shellfish species, effective August
29th.
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.
###
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=1406>
* * * * * * *
This complimentary message is being sent to opt-in subscribers who might be interested in its content. If you do not wish to continue receiving these messages, please accept our apologies,
and unsubscribe by visiting our website at:
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/list.aspx
Please note, we will not sell or give your e-mail address to any organization without your explicit permission.
You are receiving this message because you are subscribed to Water Quality on www.co.jefferson.wa.us. To unsubscribe, click the following link:
Unsubscribe <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/list.aspx?mode=Unsubscribe&Email=jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us&CID=307>