The marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) is lingering longer than usual in local waters, according to Jefferson County Public Health officials.

Shellfish testing continues, officials noted, and sample results have been as high as two to three times greater than the alert level of 80 micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish. 

In Jefferson County, many waterbodies are still under a biotoxin advisory for the recreational harvest of all species of clams, oysters and mussels.

The areas include Discovery Bay, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor, Mystery Bay, Oak Bay, Mats Mats Bay, Port Ludlow, Bywater Bay, northern Hood Canal, Squamish Harbor, Dabob Bay, and Quilcene Bay.

Public access points have been posted with warning signs. 

The affected waterbodies can be found, marked with red cross-hatching, on the Shellfish Safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm. Beaches that been closed by biotoxins are outlined in red on the map.

Once the level of toxins decline, the shellfish safety map will be updated by the Washington State Department of Health and signs will be removed from public beaches.

For more information about PSP, visit www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Shellfish/RecreationalShellfish/Illnesses/Biotoxins/ParalyticShellfishPoison. 

For questions about the status of Jefferson County beaches, go to www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/735/Shellfish-Monitoring or call 360-385-9444. Recreational harvesters should also check Washington State Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish or call the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.