Biotoxins close part of Thurston County to recreational shellfish harvesting
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 Dec. 4 news release. According to the Department of Health’s Shellfish Safety Map, Budd Inlet was still closed as of Dec. 8.
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 it’s 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.
Humans and other mammals that eat shellfish affected by the biotoxins can become sick and even die, according to the release.
“Cooking does not destroy the toxin and does not make the shellfish safe to eat,” the release said. “Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.”
According to the Shellfish Safety Map, the primary causes for the closure in Thurston County are wastewater treatment plant outfall, boating and activity at the marina.
Harvesters can keep up to date with closures on the DOH’s safety map website, and learn more about shellfish safety on Thurston County’s website.
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