Elevated toxin levels found in shellfish at City Park and Shoemaker

Wrangell Cooperative Association’s most recent test for paralytic shellfish toxins in blue mussels at two sites in town showed unhealthy levels.

“Paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) levels are above the FDA regulatory limit. … PSTs cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and eating wild shellfish from these sites may increase the risk of PSP,” WCA published in a report May 17 after tests from shellfish at City Park and Shoemaker helipad came back with elevated levels of toxins.

The toxins are caused by Alexandrium, a type of phytoplankton. When Alexandrium multiply quickly, or bloom, the shell...