Elevated levels of a marine biotoxin in shellfish has led to the closure of recreational harvesting of all species in Budd Inlet.
The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department said the marine biotoxin produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. The department, which made the announcement on Thursday, May 15, did not indicate how long the closure would last.
Warning signs have been posted at public beaches at Burfoot County Park.
"Biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring plankton which can become concentrated in shellfish. Biotoxins do not harm shellfish but can cause illness or death in humans and other mammals that eat them," the department said in announcing the closure.
"Cooking does not destroy the toxin and does not make the shellfish safe to eat. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Learn more about shellfish safety at: Shellfish Protection District | Thurston County."
The department added that harvesters should always check the shellfish safety map or by call 800-562-5632 for a recorded hotline of biotoxin closures.
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Snevets
Thank you for this info.
Tuesday, May 20 Report this
DudeInOlympia
I was at West Bay Park last fall and witnessed 3 people each take 2 overflowing plastic grocery bags full of shellfish and load it in their van. If an individual wants to eat toxic stuff that's their biz, but it clearly looks like a haul for a restaurant or huge gathering and I'm sure the people who ate it didn't know where they got it from.
Wednesday, May 21 Report this