Fisheries and Oceans Canada has closed an area in the Powell River region to harvesting shellfish due to unacceptable levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), known as red tide.
Effective immediately, there is a harvest prohibition for all bivalve shellfish in Subarea 15-04, which is the Okeover Inlet area.
PSP can harmfully affect anyone consuming shellfish, including oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and geoducks. Cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin.
Harvesters are strongly urged to contact their local Fisheries and Oceans Canada office for updates. In Powell River, the number is 604.485.7963. Detailed information can be found online.
