Marine Mussels Clean of PSP Toxins

Public Notice CALIFORNIA MUSSELS (Mytilus californianus) are currently SAFE TO EAT The October 28th 2016 Wilson Creek mussel sample results had non-detect (clean) for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) and Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) toxins caused by domoic acid.

Please be aware that although mussels are safe to eat, razor clams are still under quarantine and therefore should not be eaten until further notice.

The Yurok Tribe Environmental Program has been monitoring levels of PSP in shellfish for the past three years. YTEP staff collect samples monthly and are analyzed by the California State Environmental Lab. For more information about our environmental programs see our website www.yuroktribe.org/departments/ytep or find us on Facebook.

The State of California Department of Public Health also monitors the levels of toxins in shellfish, and provides openings for harvest as appropriate. More information about the status of shellfish openings is available here http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin that is related to a “bloom” of a particular single-celled diatom called Pseudo-nitzschia. The conditions that support the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia are impossible to predict. Crustaceans, fish and shellfish are capable of accumulating elevated levels of domoic acid without apparent ill effects on the animals. Elevated levels of domoic acid in crustaceans, fish and shellfish pose a significant risk to the public if these adulterated products are consumed. Domoic acid can be fatal to people if consumed in high doses. Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory (a condition known as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. (Info from CDPH website http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx)