Vibrio parahaemilyticus Levels Continue to Climb, Quilcene Bay Growing Area Closed, Port Gamble Vibriosis Cases Reported

Warm weather continues to cause an increase in Vibrio parahaemilyticus levels in Puget Sound shellfish. Most recently Quilcene Bay Growing area has been closed to commercial oyster harvesting. Port Gamble has had 2 reported cases of vibriosis traced to oysters harvested there, resulting in a reduction of "harvest to temperature control".

In addition to increases in Vp levels, increasing levels of biotoxins have impacted Buck Bay Growing Area on Orcas Island and Mystery Bay Growing Area. Buck Bay has had Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) levels exceed regulatory levels in Blue Mussels, Pacific oysters and Manila clams. Mystery Bay has had PSP toxin levels exceed regulatory levels in Manila clams. Other areas impacted by biotoxins include various subtidal geoduck tracts throughout Puget Sound.

For recreational closures see the DOH website.