Several Orcas Island beaches closed to recreational shellfish harvesting | The Journal of the San Juan Islands
Submitted by San Juan County Department of Health and Community Services
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Submitted by San Juan County Department of Health and Community Services
Biotoxins can cause illness and death in humans and mammals that consume them.
“Biotoxins do not harm shellfish but can cause illness or death in humans and other mammals that consume them," said the news release.
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.
Submitted by San Juan County.