Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program
Attention Beach Lovers!
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Do you enjoy spending time at the beach, digging clams, learning new skills, and contributing your time to an important community project? Every spring the Skagit Conservation District seeks interested community volunteers (age 18 and up) to provide support in monitoring local recreational shellfish harvesting beaches for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) and Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning for the season. PSP is a serious illness caused by eating shellfish that have consumed large amounts of toxins. DSP is new to our area, and has recently been detected in Puget Sound waters. Regular monitoring of our beaches assures the safety of public health. This volunteer program was designed to act as a warning system to assist the WA State Department of Health’s Biotoxin Program during the HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) season. Time commitment for this program includes approximately 4 to 6 hours a month from mid-April through September after completing the training (during daytime low tides).
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April 4th virtual training session 1-3 PM
April 11th field training during a low tide 12-2:30 PM
Registration is required.
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New volunteers must attend both training sessions.​
(Please read the position description before filling out the Registration form)
For more information contact Carla Glassman,
at Skagit Conservation District
Phone 360-708-2360
or e-mail: carla@skagitcd.org
Myths and Misconceptions: Biotoxins - Myths and Misconceptions | Washington State Department of Health
Domoic Acid/Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//332-057.pdf?uid=6296531f7ce63
Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//332-097.pdf?uid=629662a3e5298
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//332-058.pdf?uid=629652c77152b
Vibriosis: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//332-059.pdf?uid=629647f90d451
Norovirus: Norovirus in Shellfish | Washington State Department of Health