Shellfish harvesting closed along Kitsap

Shellfish harvesting has been closed from Hood Canal to Point No Point due to high levels of marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison.

Harvesting is closed along the Kitsap Peninsula shoreline. The closure particularly targets all species of mussels, clams and oysters but notes that shrimp and crab should be cleaned thoroughly before consumption.

Kitsap County reminds those who do harvest shellfish to be mindful of the closures and check local resources such as the Kitsap Public Health District Shellfish hotline at 1-800-223-9355.

The symptoms of paralytic shellfish poison include tingling in the lips and tongue and may progress to fingers and toes. Some other symptoms include nausea, loss of control of limbs and difficulty breathing.