Discovery Bay beaches have been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting for all shellfish species.

The Washington State Department of Health shut down shellfish harvesting after recent shellfish samples taken from the bay found elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning.

Danger signs have been posted at public access points warning people not to consume shellfish taken from Discovery Bay. 

Health officials warn that Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) can cause gastrointestinal illness for those who eat shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Dinophysis.

DSP toxin isn’t destroyed by cooking or freezing, and symptoms of DSP include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. 

The onset of symptoms can range from 30 minutes to four hours after consumption. People with mild symptoms should contact their health care provider and Jefferson County Public Health; people with severe reactions should call 911.

This week’s closure at Discovery Bay follows a shutdown of recreational shellfish harvesting on Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay beaches.

Shellfish samples recently taken from Quilcene Bay also contained elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes DSP.

Additional information on DSP can be found at www.doh.wa.gov.