Oct. 10, 2024

KITSAP COUNTY, WA

Shellfish harvesting closed in Liberty Bay

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

CLOSURE AREA: All of Liberty Bay in North Kitsap.  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 shellfish.

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 County 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 

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 
• Follow Kitsap Public Health on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
• Video: How we monitor for biotoxins in shellfish

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 Oct. 7 and results show concentrations of 21 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 will be posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas. Kitsap Public Health will monitor for DSP in Liberty Bay on a weekly basis until toxins return to safer levels. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Tad Sooter |  Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
345 6th St., Suite 300  |  Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 728-2330 Office |  (360) 728-2235 Main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org  |  kitsappublichealth.org