Researchers are asking Haines residents to be on the lookout for dead, small schooling fish on local beaches, which could be a sign of increased paralytic shellfish poisoning toxicity levels in the area.
Mussels collected in early May from Taiyasanka Harbor registered PSP toxin levels of 63.3 micrograms/100 grams, which is below the FDA limit of 80 micrograms/100 grams.
Bruce Wright, senior scientist with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, said those numbers will likely rise during the summer.
“I expect PSP levels to increase in Taiyasanka Harbor during the next several months,” Wright said. “Some of the highest PSP levels recorded are from Taiyasanka Harbor and it is one of APIA’s study sites in partnership with the Chilkoot Indian Association and Chilkat Environmental.”
Wright said he has recorded high levels of PSP there and observed dead sand lance – small, needle-like fish – on the beaches.
“At the time we were not aware that the sand lance were likely killed by the PSP, but we will be monitoring the harbor’s PSP levels this summer and collect any dead sand lance for analysis,” Wright said.
Anyone who observes dead sand lance on the beach should collect and freeze the fish in a Ziploc bag, and label it with their name, location and collection date. Contact Wright for more information at 907-222-4260 or [email protected].
Wright advises shellfish harvesters to exercise caution when consuming personally-harvested mussels and clams. Crabs feeding on toxic mussels, clams or sand lance can also accumulate PSP in their digestive system.