Extremely High PSP Levels

Observation: The PSP levels for butter clams have been high for the past two years from the Spit Beach in Sand Point. June of last year, the PSP levels were 6,580 micrograms and June 2016 the PSP levels are at 4,370 micrograms. Our community hasn't had good PSP levels since March 2014, and it is a subsistence food for the community.

Resource:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation – State of Alaska, Food Safety & Sanitation Program & Know Before You Dig – Recreational Shellfish Harvesting: 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 PST, know the species you plan to harvest, and know the symptoms, check out the PSP factsheet and get help quickly!