The Florida Department of agriculture has closed a shellfish harvesting area in Gulf County as a precautionary measure because of a Harmful Algal Bloom

The Florida Department of agriculture has closed a shellfish harvesting area in Gulf County as a precautionary measure because of a Harmful Algal Bloom.

Area 1401 of the St. Joe Bay will close at sunset today because of the presence of pseudo-nitzschia spp.

Pseudo-nitzschia is a single-celled, naturally occurring organism belonging to a group of microscopic algae called diatoms which can produce a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which can sicken or kill marine mammals and seabirds.

Blooms have been linked to upwelling of deep ocean water, nutrient runoff, and freshwater discharges.

Shellfish, including clams, scallops, oysters, and mussels can accumulate domoic acid, and if eaten, can lead to Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in people.

In Florida, commercial shellfish harvesting is closed to protect human health if toxic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms are detected near harvesting areas.

To date, no cases of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning have been documented in Florida.

The Department of Agriculture will continue to test the water quality in the area and reopen the waters when it is safe to do so.

PRECAUTIONARY CLOSURE STATEMENT
Date:___5/20/2020___
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is temporarily closing the following shellfish area at sunset on ___Wednesday, May 20th, 2020  for the harvest of oysters, clams, and mussels. In this context, shellfish does not include scallops, shrimp, or crabs.
Area(s):	#1401  Shellfish Harvest Area
Affected Counties:	_____Gulf_______________
Basis for action:	Precautionary closure due to presence of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and conditions defined The Biotoxin Management Plan.
Samples will continue to be collected and analyzed for the area until the sample results conform to the biotoxin plan. You will be notified as soon as the shellfish area can be re-opened.  If you have any further questions concerning the closure of shellfish harvesting areas please contact  Chris Clark or Steve Cofone at (850) 653-8317.  Refer to the Division of Aquaculture’s Daily Status Report  for daily open/closure information.  In the event the daily status report cannot be accessed due to server problems, a detailed pre-recorded message of open and closed shellfish harvest areas is available 24 hours a day by calling (850) 653-8317.   For questions concerning scallop harvesting, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850)487-0554.