August 22, 2023

KITSAP COUNTY, WA

Shellfish harvesting closed on eastern shoreline of Bainbridge Island and all of Blake Island

Tests show high levels of marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) 

CLOSURE AREA: Bainbridge Island's eastern shoreline, including all bays and inlets, from Point Monroe south to Restoration Point, and all of of Blake Island. Check the state shellfish safety map to view specific locations.

All existing shellfish closures remain 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:

• Shellfish safety clickable map
• List of current shellfish marine biotoxin closures
• Kitsap Public Health District water contact & shellfish pollution advisories
• Kitsap Public Health Shellfish 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 

SYMPTOMS OF PSP:  Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating toxic shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop. Symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people feel nauseous or experience a sense of floating. If a person consumes enough toxin, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed, including muscles used for breathing, and the victim can suffocate. Death from PSP has occurred in less than 30 minutes.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Shellfish Safety: Marine biotoxins & vibrosis information
• Shellfish species identification chart
• Follow Kitsap Public Health District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SHELLFISH MONITORING INFORMATION:

Samples collected by the Kitsap Public Health District on Aug. 21, 2023 showed concentrations of 133 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP toxin levels meet or exceed 80 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