Paralytic Shellfish Poison has been detected in shellfish that were harvested from Buck Bay on Orcas Island in San Juan County, in Washington state on July 26 and 27, 2022, according to the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH). The shellfish, which included clams and oysters, were sold directly to consumers from Buck Bay Shellfish Farm's retail market, and to restaurants on the island. Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is a naturally occurring marine toxin produced by some types of microscopic algae. Shellfish eat these algae and retain the toxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Public health officials detected the toxin through their biotoxin monitoring program. The shellfish had PSP levels that were nearly four times the allowable levels for harvest. … [Read more...]