Don’t dig that clam! Budd Inlet closed to recreational shellfish harvests due to biotoxins
Budd Inlet has been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting due to unsafe biotoxin levels.
High levels of the biotoxin that produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) were recently detected in shellfish in the inlet, the county shared in a Thursday news release.
Budd Inlet extends from Cooper Point and Boston Harbor down to Olympia’s Percival Landing and several public beaches and many private property parcels line its shores. The closure affects all species in the inlet.
For its part, Thurston County says its posting warning signs at Burfoot County Park.
DSP is produced by dinoflagellate Dinophysis, a type of naturally occurring microscopic algae that shellfish eat, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The algae do not harm shellfish but large algae blooms can cause high levels of biotoxin to accumulate in their tissue.
DOH says affected shellfish do not taste or look any different from safe-to-eat shellfish and cooking does not destroy the biotoxin.
Consuming contaminated shellfish can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the county news release.
People with mild symptoms who think they may have DPS are advised to contact their health care provider and local public health agency, DOH advises. If symptoms are severe, DOH recommends people call 911 or have someone take them to a doctor.
Harvesters can check the state’s online shellfish safety map or call 800-562-5632 for information about biotoxin closures.
