For immediate release: October 18, 2005 (05-134)

Contacts:
Frank Cox, Biotoxin Coordinator 360-236-3309
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage and Holmes Harbor closed to shellfish harvest
Highest levels of domoic acid ever recorded in the inland waters prompt closure

OLYMPIA ¾ Elevated levels of domoic acid found in blue mussels and manila clams from Penn Cove have prompted the Washington State Department of Health to temporarily close several areas in Island County to commercial and recreational shellfish harvest. High levels of domoic acid can cause illness. This is only the third time since routine monitoring of state inland and coastal waters began in 1991 that an inland water body has had domoic acid levels high enough to trigger a closure.

"Any shellfish harvested from Penn Cove since Friday, Oct. 14, should not be eaten. Anyone who has eaten shellfish from this area and who experiences symptoms of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) should see a physician," said Frank Cox, coordinator of the Department of Health’s Marine Biotoxin Program.

Domoic acid is a marine toxin that can cause ASP when ingested in high levels. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, permanent short-term memory loss and a variety of other ailments. There is no antidote and cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy domoic acid. Extreme cases can cause death, although Cox said there have been no known fatalities from ASP in Washington.

"Harvested shellfish currently on the market has already undergone testing and should be safe to eat," said Cox. "While crab is not included in this closure, the "crab butter" should be discarded. However, the crab meat can be eaten."

The Department of Health, in cooperation with the Island County Department of Health and Human Services, will continue to monitor domoic acid levels and will reopen the area when the levels drop.

Recreational harvesters should check for biotoxin closures by checking the department’s Biotoxin Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm) or the biotoxin hotline at 1-800-562-5632. Harvesters should also look for and obey warning signs that have been posted at marinas and recreational beaches in Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage and Holmes Harbor.

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