CONTACT:    Renae Miller, Public Information Specialist, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, (360) 463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us 
David M. Bayne, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

UPDATED Friday, December 22, 2023: The shellfish harvest biotoxin closure has expanded to Henderson Inlet due to high levels of DSP. Please always check the shellfish safety map before harvesting shellfish for the latest information.

UPDATED Wednesday, December 20, 2023: The shellfish harvest biotoxin closure has expanded to Eld Inlet due to high levels of DSP in the most recent samples. Please always check the shellfish safety map before harvesting shellfish for the latest information. 

OLYMPIA – High levels of the biotoxin which produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) were detected in shellfish prompting closure of recreational shellfish harvesting for all species in Dana Passage, Pickering Passage, and Peale Passage. Budd Inlet continues to be closed due to DSP. The closure area includes Burfoot Park, the Boston Harbor area, Hope Island, and much of Harstine Island.  

The shellfish harvest biotoxin closure has expanded to Eld Inlet and Henderson Inlet due to high levels of DSP. Biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring plankton which can become concentrated in shellfish. Biotoxins do not harm shellfish but can cause illness or death in humans and other mammals that consume them. Cooking does not destroy the toxin and does not make the shellfish safe to eat. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  

Harvesters should always check the shellfish safety map found online at: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish or by calling 1-800-562-5632 for a recorded hotline of biotoxin closures. More information is available on the website.

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