PSP Alert for Kachemak Bay

The Alaska Division of Public Health issued a PSP Alert for Kachemak Bay. During the first week of September, shellfish from inner Kachemak Bay have been found to contain toxins above the regulatory limit that is considered safe for human consumption.

Shellfish can accumulate toxins by filtering certain phytoplankton and this can concentrate toxins in the shellfish tissue, which when consumed, can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in humans. Symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips or fingertips and numbness of the arms or legs. PSP can be fatal. Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care or call 9-1-1.  For more information on causes of shellfish poisoning go to: https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/shellfish/paralytic-shellfish-poisoning/

Note: Recreational and subsistence shellfish harvesting is always "at your own risk". Shellfish can accumulate toxins even if the water appears clear, and cooking does not destroy harmful algal toxins.

Commercially available shellfish are tested and regulated by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for PSP toxins and are considered safe to eat.

Keep up to date:  The Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom (AHAB) Network is testing wild shellfish to be analyzed for toxins and results will be posted at https://ahab.aoos.org/hab-alerts/. Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve continues to monitor phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay, for more information reach out to Rosie Masui at rmmasui@alaska.edu or 907-235-4799.