Deadly Biotoxin Halts Shellfishing In Pierce County

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA - State health officials have halted recreational shellfish harvesting at Pierce County beaches due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poison, a potentially deadly biotoxin. The ban affects recreational harvesting of clams, mussels, and oysters at Commencement Bay, Colvos Passage, and through the Tacoma Narrows.

The closure in Pierce County follows a closure last week affecting beaches in King County between Shoreline and Federal Way. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department advises Pierce County residents to check back each day to see if the ban has been lifted.

Paralytic shellfish poison is as scary as it sounds. In as little as 30 minutes, it can paralyze muscles and cause you to suffocate. In lower levels, it can cause a tingling sensation and nausea. The biotoxin is produced by certain types of algae, which shellfish ingest.

If you're still interested in recreational shellfishing, there are several locations close by that are still open. The southwest side of Fox Island and most of Anderson Island are still open. You can check the status of shellfish harvesting locations in the state here.

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