PORT TOWNSEND — The state Department of Health has closed Quilcene Bay and Triton Cove State Park in Jefferson County to the recreational harvest of oysters after several vibriosis cases were reported.
The recreational oyster harvest closure also includes the shores of Triton Cove State Park at the Jefferson-Mason County line, the department said Friday.
In an unrelated water quality report, also released Friday, Jefferson County Public Health has given Tarboo Lake a “warning” status after heightened levels of toxic blue-green algae were found in lab tests last week.
Blue-green algae found in the lake are from the genera microcystis, anabaena and aphanizomenon.
These algae can produce anatoxin-a or microsystin that can cause liver damage or nerve impairment.
Small children and people with liver problems are most at risk from these toxins.
Users are warned not to drink lake water, swim in the lake, or consume fish from the lake.
Tarboo Lake is open for recreational boating.
Clallam County lakes have not been tested for toxic blue-green algae. Health officials are visually monitoring them.
