Unsafe levels of paralytic molluscan shellfish poisoning have been detected in Birch Bay, moving the state to close recreational harvest from Sandy Point to the Canadian border on August 14. The Washington State Department of Health later updated the closure on August 20 to encompass all Whatcom County beaches.
The state previously closed the same area from July 16 to August 1 because of unsafe biotoxin levels.
Mussels often contain the highest level of toxins among shellfish. The biotoxin can also be found in clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. While crab meat is not affected, consumers are urged to discard crab entrails because they may contain the biotoxin. All of the products sold in markets and restaurants, such as Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, have been tested and are safe for consumption.
Shellfish on the tidelands of the Lummi Nation are under the jurisdiction of the Lummi people and closed to non-tribal visitors.
Consuming the biotoxin can result in severe sickness and death in some cases. Symptoms can include tingling and numbness in the lips and tongue. This can begin within minutes to hours after consumption and can spread to fingers and toes. The tingling can lead to a loss of control of the arms and legs. In some cases, people can feel dizzy or nauseous. When a large amount of toxins is consumed, it can lead to the chest and abdominal muscles becoming
paralyzed.
For more information on the closure, visit the state’s website at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html.
