September 15, 2021

KITSAP COUNTY, WA

Shellfish harvesting closed in Liberty Bay

Tests show high levels of marine biotoxin diarrhetic shellfish poison (DSP) 

CLOSURE AREA:  Liberty Bay 

All existing shellfish closures remain in effect. Check the state shellfish safety map to see all closures and advisories in effect.

SPECIES AFFECTED: All recreational shellfish harvesting for all species of clams, oysters, and mussels.

Shrimp and crab are not included in this closure, but crabs should be cleaned prior to cooking, and the “crab butter” should be discarded.

Anyone planning to harvest or consume local, recreationally-harvested shellfish must first:

1) Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:

• List of current shellfish marine biotoxin closures
• Kitsap Public Health District water contact & shellfish pollution advisories
• Kitsap CountyShellfish Hotline:  1-800-2BE-WELL (1-800-223-9355)
• Statewide Shellfish Safety Hotline:  1-800-562-5632

 2) Check the harvest seasons and licensing requirements:

• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website
• Call 1-866-880-5431 

DSP SYMPTOMS:  Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported symptom.     

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Shellfish Safety: Marine biotoxins & vibrosis information
• Shellfish species identification chart
• Follow Kitsap Public Health on Facebook.

SHELLFISH MONITORING INFORMATION:

The Kitsap Public Health District, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Clean Water Kitsap, test shellfish from 12 locations throughout Kitsap County. Samples for this closure were collected on September 13, 2021 and results show concentrations of 16 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Shellfish harvesting is closed when DSP toxin levels meet or exceed 16 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.

Warning signs have been posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas. 

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org