Is there PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning) risk?
Parks Canada will tell you not to take a chance on eating mussels or any other shellfish from the sea. The WCT is closed for bivalves from May to October. There was red tide off-and-on throughout the summer of 99. Many on the west coast have died from PSP. If you were to be stricken, medical care is far away. It may be true that you cannot get PSP on an open beach like the WCT but better safe than sorry unless you know what you are doing. Don t use the months which have an R in them rule. If you want to check on PSP closures call the Department of fisheries & Oceans 24 hour line 604 666-2828.
