Shellfish harvesting is closed throughout Liberty Bay in North Kitsap after tests showed high levels of marine biotoxin diarrhetic shellfish poison, the Kitsap Public Health District announced Oct. 10.

Samples for the closure were collected Oct. 7 and results show concentrations of 21 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue, per KPHD. Shellfish harvesting is closed when DSP toxin levels meet or exceed 16 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.

Warning signs will be posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas. The health district will monitor for DSP in Liberty Bay on a weekly basis until toxins return to safer levels.

DSP symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported symptom.