Oregon/Washington have algal poison problems

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http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index.php?smp=&lang=eng


Oregon

Tualatin Riverkeepers officials are urging people to be cautious when using the lower Tualatin River for recreation. Blue-green algae also known as cyanobacteria is blooming in the river today – Thursday. Some species of blue-green algae produce harmful toxins dangerous to humans and pets. “In one area of the river near Jurgens Park in Tualatin the blue-green algae was thicker than clam chowder,” said Brian Wegener, Watershed Watch Coordinator for Tualatin Riverkeepers. U.S. Geological Survey scientists were on the river taking samples for laboratory analysis. U.S.G.S. scientist Kurt Carpenter cautioned pet owners about letting their dogs swim in the river. “Each year eight or nine dogs in Oregon die from toxins after swimming in water infected with blue-green algae,” Carpenter said. Samples that Carpenter collected today will be tested for toxins. “We urge caution while the level of risk is being assessed,” Wegener said. “Avoid contact, don’t go swimming and don’t let your pets go in the water until we get the all-clear signal from the appropriate agencies. Wash thoroughly after contacting the water.”

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Washington

Recent sunny weather appears to be encouraging the growth of poisonous plankton, causing local health officials to close Dyes Inlet to shellfish harvesting today. High levels of paralytic shellfish poison, or "red tide," have been detected in the inlet between Bremerton and Silverdale, according to Jim Zimny of the Kitsap County Health District. Mussels collected in Silverdale were found with 108 micrograms of poison per 100 grams of tissue. Beaches are closed when the level exceeds 80 micrograms. The closure area includes all of Dyes Inlet as well as the Port Washington Narrows. The eastern shore of Bainbridge Island remains closed to the harvest of all shellfish. Closed to the harvest of butter clams only is the entire eastern shore of Kitsap County from Point No Point down to Southworth — except for Sinclair Inlet, Rich Passage and Yukon Harbor. Paralytic shellfish do not look or taste any different from normal shellfish. Symptoms of poisoning can include tingling in the lips and tongue, sometimes advancing to severe breathing problems. Those with symptoms should seek medical help.
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