Unacceptable levels of PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning) have led Fisheries and Oceans Canada to extend closure of shellfish harvesting.
All of areas 15 and 16 are now closed to harvesting of bivalve mollusks. This includes all clams, oysters, mussels, geoducks, scallops and cockles. Area 15 stretches south from the tip of Toba Inlet, encircles East and West Redonda, includes Okeover Inlet and blankets the west coast of Cortes Island before encompassing the waters surrounding Hernando, Savary and Harwood islands and the west coast of Texada Island from approximately Coho Point down to Scotch Fir Point. Area 16 continues from Scotch Fir Point south to Merry Island, which is just south of Thormanby Islands, the east coast of Texada, the north, west and south coast of Lasqueti Island to Young Point and up both Jervis Inlet and Sechelt Inlet.
Cooking does not destroy the toxin. PSP can harmfully affect anyone consuming shellfish.
More detailed information can be found at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/contamination/index-eng.htm. Within Powell River, Fisheries and Oceans Canada office can be called at 604.485.7963.
