Elevated toxin levels found at Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay, Kilisut Harbor

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Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay, and Kilisut Harbor beaches were closed last week to all recreational shellfish harvesting.

The ban includes all shellfish species.

The Washington State Department of Health announced the closures at Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay, and Kilisut Harbor beaches after recent shellfish samples taken from Mystery Bay and Fort Flagler showed very elevated levels for the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.

The Mystery Bay sample result was 991 micrograms of toxin, according to health officials, which is more than 10 times above the action level of 80 micrograms. 

The Fort Flagler sample was more than three times the action level. 

Danger signs have been posted at public access points warning people not to consume shellfish from the beaches.