Algae bloom shuts down tribal and non-tribal crab fishery
An algae bloom that has exploded since its beginnings earlier this year when it caused domoic acid levels to spike in razor clams, has closed Dungeness crab harvest for Quinault…
Scott Mazzone, marine biologist for the Quinault Indian Nation, digs a razor clam used for sampling for marine biotoxins. All razor clam harvest has been suspended indefinitely on the Washington coast due to a high level of domoic acid in razor clams. The toxin does not harm the clams, but can sicken or kill humans.
Coastal razor clam harvest closed indefinitely
The state Department of Health has closed the non-tribal razor clam harvest for the Washington coast indefinitely and Quinault Indian Nation has also closed its ceremonial and subsistence and commercial…
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Studying the Health of Sequim Bay
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is on the hunt for harmful algal blooms in Sequim Bay this summer so that they can get a better picture of how the explosions of micro organisms affect the bay.
“We’re looking at the effects of these blooms on such factors as water quality and toxins in shellfish,” said Chris Whitehead, tribal shellfish biologist. “We also hope that the information will help contribute to the development of a harmful algal bloom early warning system.”