Toxins close parts of Guemes Island to recreational shellfish harvesting

Skagit County Public Health announced Wednesday that parts of Guemes Island are now closed to the recreational harvesting of butter clams and varnish clams.

The east, north and west sides of Guemes are closed due to increased levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in sampled shellfish.

Padilla Bay and Samish Bay also remain closed to harvesting of butter clams and varnish clams due to the toxins.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins are produced by algae. When shellfish feed on the algae, the toxins stays in their tissue.

The toxins can affect the human nervous system, causing muscle paralysis and severe illness, but do not hurt the shellfish.

The toxins are not removed through cooking or freezing and cannot be visibly seen.

The state Department of Health asks those who believe they may have paralytic shellfish poisoning to go to their healthcare provider for mild symptoms, and call 911 or have someone take them to an emergency room for severe symptoms.

Symptoms can include lip and tongue tingling soon after ingesting the shellfish, tingling of fingers, loss of control of arms and legs, and difficulty breathing.

More information is available on the daily updated statewide shellfish safety map at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html and through the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.

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