shellfish monitoring

Become a Shellfish monitoring Volunteer

Our dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of our recreational shellfish monitoring program. These volunteers gather shellfish samples that are used to determine when areas need to be closed for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), or "Red Tide". As a volunteer, you would be spending approximately two hours each month collecting samples.

As part of a State-wide shellfish monitoring network, samples are collected from established monitoring sites according to a predetermined schedule. Volunteers are notified of the sample collection dates through the end of the year. If a volunteer will not be available on certain dates, Health District staff can usually collect the sample for them.

After collecting a sample, each volunteer puts it out for pick up on the scheduled day. The shellfish samples are picked up by Health District staff, and shipped to the State Department of Health Laboratory for toxicity analysis. The sample results indicate which areas have been affected by toxic algae blooms. The public is then notified that shellfish in these areas are not safe to eat.

The Health District provides all the supplies needed to gather the shellfish samples. All you need to donate is interest, energy, and a couple hours each month.

To find out more about becoming a shellfish monitoring volunteer, please contact Jim Zimny, Recreational Shellfish Program Coordinator, at (360) 337-5235.