Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Detection Network
PTMSC staff grow mussels off our dock that are used to monitor toxins in the water. These toxins are produced by the algae ______. Mussels filter the water as they feed and take up the toxins. Department of Health designed for recreational shellfishers who rely on accurate and timely PSP information. 
How it works: Mussels are gathered from the PTMSC dock every other week, May – November, and sent to the Department of Health. Volunteers make a valuable contribution to the health and safety of our community by tracking concentration of the PSP toxin in blue mussels so beaches can be closed in a timely manner if are unsafe to eat.
Number of Volunteers: Currently, this sampling is carried out by our AmeriCorps volunteers.
Is this project open to new volunteers? Not at this time.
Where to find data : Wa. State Dept. of Health Biotoxin Program