06/14/2026
Hello world! Important PSA: Hood Canal is now closed for shellfish harvesting due to PSP. This is the second time in recorded history that PSP has been detected in the Canal (the other time was 2015).
We are now sourcing oysters and clams from our farms and partners in other growing areas. Implicated oysters are Hama Hama and Blue Pools, and Manila and Savory clams from Hood Canal. We have spent the past few days in communication with our customers - if you have questions please reach out.
Our Oyster Saloon, Farm Store, Online Store & Wholesale operations are open, just with a different product mix. (This is precisely why we have farm sites in multiple growing areas, in case you’ve ever wondered!)
Here’s some backstory!
🔥 PSP (aka paralytic shellfish poisoning) is a potentially deadly biotoxin produced by a specific type of algae.
🧪 Like all harmful algae blooms (HABs), it cannot be cooked out of the shellfish.
💦 It’s naturally occurring and can happen in cold or warm water.
❌It’s not red, although this is usually what folks mean when they say “red tide.”
📍It is very site specific. This bloom is in Hood Canal. Oysters from Puget Sound, Northern Olympic Peninsula, and other growing sites aren’t impacted.
đź‘® Regulators test and monitor for safety
🤝Shellfish farmers work very closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to keep our product safe from biotoxins.
âś… PSP is knowable - we can test for it. This closure is a sign that the monitoring procedures are working to keep people safe.
đźš‘ Symptoms of PSP occur quickly, and include tingling or numbness. If that happens to you after eating shellfish, seek medical attention immediate attention.
After a while the bloom will clear and the shellfish will filter out the toxins, and be safe to eat again.
Thank you to everyone at the Department of Health for monitoring, testing, and communicating & keeping us all safe!
