Researchers with Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research found high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin in a population of mollusks at Auke Recreation Area in Juneau on Friday.
SEATOR is recommending against the harvest of shellfish from the site until further notice.
Ingesting shellfish with PST can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, which can lead to death. All recreationally-harvested shellfish in Alaska — including clams, mussels, oysters, geoducks and scallops — may contain PST. No beach in Alaska is designated as “safe,” according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
ADF&G recommends only eating commercially harvested shellfish as the only proven way to protect oneself from PSP. Though PSP levels are lower in colder months, there have been cases of PSP in Alaska year-round. Those harvesting shellfish themselves are strongly encouraged to learn more about PSP and stay up to date on locations where PST has been found at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/seafood/rec_shellfish_harvest.html.
Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue. Progressive symptoms include tingling of the fingers and toes and loss of muscle control in the arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some experience a sense of floating or nausea. Death can occur in as little as two hours from paralysis of the breathing muscles.
