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Recreational Shellfish Harvesting

Marine Biotoxins Could Ruin Your Shellfish Experience

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (Red Tide)
All of Whatcom County's tideflats, from Birch Bay north to the Canadian border, are currently closed to harvesting for all species of shellfish, due to the presence of marine biotoxins. The presence of these toxins in shellfish can cause illness and, in extreme cases, death.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), also known as "red tide", is caused by several different species of dinoflagellates, which are a type of phytoplankton (algae). These free-floating algae contain biotoxins, which affect the nervous system. When shellfish ingest these algae, they accumulate the toxins in their tissues. If enough of the toxin is present in the tissues, humans can become sick after eating the meats. Depending on the concentration of toxin in the tissues, a person who has eaten contaminated shellfish may experience symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms of PSP can occur within minutes of ingesting contaminated shellfish or it may take several hours for symptoms to arise.

Symptoms from exposure to PSP biotoxins:

  • tingling in the lips and tongue
  • tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes
  • loss of feeling in/ control of arms and legs
  • difficulty breathing

If a person has eaten shellfish recently and experiences these types of symptoms, they should seek medical assistance.

Cooking will not destroy the biotoxins!

People should not harvest shellfish from areas that are closed to harvesting due to PSP. They should not harvest shellfish from areas closed due to pollution, either. The Washington State Department of Health Biotoxin Bulletin and the Recreational Shellfish Program should be checked out prior to harvesting any shellfish to insure that you are gathering only healthy, safe shellfish for you and your family's consumption.

Enjoy the wonderful shellfish of Washington State- but be safe doing it!