Unusually high PSP toxin levels making shellfish unsafe to eat.
Observation: Since 2014, community members haven’t been able to eat butter clams (Saxidomus gigantean) due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in our clams for the past couple of years. We have normally harvested clams on Sand Point Spit Beach beginning in September on through to April of the following year. When viewing the graph, you’ll see that the average PSP levels for the past 12-13 months have been about 231 micrograms/100 grams, with June, 2016 having the highest at 6580 micrograms/100 grams.
Resource:
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) – There are NO beaches that are certified or designated as "safe" beaches for shellfish harvesting in Alaska. All recreationally-harvested shellfish- including clams, mussels, oysters, geoducks, and scallops - may contain paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) that, if ingested, can cause death.
Get medical help immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes, shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling, confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination.
If you choose to harvest shellfish in Alaska, it is important that you know the facts about PSP, know the species you plan to harvest, and know the symptoms, to learn more, review ADEC's PSP factsheet and get help quickly!
