Shellfish harvesting is closed from Foulweather Bluff to Point Jefferson in North Kitsap due to high levels of marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison in the water, the Kitsap Public Health District announced Aug. 7.

Warning signs have been posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from closure areas.

Samples collected by KPHD Aug. 5 show concentrations of 179 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP toxin levels meet or exceed 80 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.

All recreational shellfish harvesting for all species of clams, oysters and mussels are prohibited during closure. Shrimp and crab are not included in this closure, but crabs should be cleaned prior to cooking, and the “crab butter” should be discarded.

Early symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating toxic shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop, per KPHD.

Symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people feel nauseous or experience a sense of floating. If a person consumes enough toxin, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed, including muscles used for breathing, and the victim can suffocate. Death from PSP has occurred in less than 30 minutes.