A popular clam digging spot in Sitka is showing sky-high levels of the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska Environmental Research Lab tested samples of blue mussels collected from Sitka’s Starrigavan North beach on June 10 and 18. Both samples had levels of toxins far above the regulatory limit, according to data released by the lab. The most recent sample, collected June 18, had toxin levels about 4.5 times the regulatory limit. In a press release on June 24, the Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research consortium advised sport and subsistence harvesters to exercise caution and noted that other local beaches may have high levels of toxins as well.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by blooms of marine algae, which tend to be more prolific in summer months. While the toxins don’t harm the shellfish, they can cause serious illness and death in humans.
If you do harvest shellfish, you can bring a sample to the lab for free testing. You can learn more and schedule testing at seator.org.
