Quilcene and Dabob Bay
Closed for Shellfishing
8/14/24: Jefferson County Public Health
Shellfish samples taken recently from Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay tested by the Washington Department of Health (DOH) were found to have high levels of the biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
. . . Therefore, DOH has closed Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay for the recreational harvest of all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. This PSP biotoxin closure includes Point Whitney and extends south to Seal Rock. Jefferson County Public Health has posted Danger signs at public access points in the area. Crab and shrimp are not included in the closure. Even if the crab meat is safe, toxins can accumulate in crab gut and butter (the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell). Clean crab thoroughly and avoid eating the crab butter and guts.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can be fatal. Illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium. The biotoxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and paralysis. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions, call 911.