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For immediate release: September 16, 2005 (05-118)
Contacts:
Frank Cox, Biotoxin Coordinator
360-236-3309
Deanna Whitman, Communications
Office 360-236-4022
Sequim Bay closed to shellfish harvest
OLYMPIA ¾ Elevated levels of domoic acid found in oysters and clams from Sequim Bay has prompted the Washington State Department of Health to temporarily close this area to commercial and recreational shellfish harvest. High levels of domoic acid can cause illness. This is only the second 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 Sequim Bay within the past week 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 of ASP can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, permanent short-term memory loss and a variety of other ailments. There is no antidote for ASP and cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy domoic acid. Extreme cases of ASP can cause death, although Cox said there have been no known fatalities from ASP in Washington.
"It is important to note that all commercially harvested shellfish currently on the market have undergone testing and should be safe to eat," said Cox. No recent commercial harvests have occurred in Sequim Bay. Crab is not included in this closure; however, the department recommends that the "crab butter" be discarded and only the crab meat be eaten.
The Department of Health, in cooperation with the Clallam 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 Sequim Bay.
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