Restore Alaska's crucial shellfish toxin monitoring program

Alaska's shellfish toxin testing program is crucial for protecting public health and preventing tragedies caused by paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The Knik Tribe's monitoring efforts have played a vital role in alerting communities about dangerous toxin levels and enabling people to safely harvest and consume shellfish. The recent suspension of this program due to a federal funding review puts Alaskans at risk, especially those who rely on subsistence harvesting. PSP can cause severe illness and even death, with recorded toxin levels in Alaska exceeding 32,000 micrograms per 100 grams - far above the FDA safety limit of 80 micrograms. The Aleutian Islands region, in particular, experiences higher PSP levels than the rest of the state, likely exacerbated by warming ocean temperatures. Without regular monitoring and public advisories, unsuspecting individuals may unknowingly consume contaminated shellfish, leading to tragic consequences. The Knik Tribe's program has been instrumental in preventing PSP-related incidents by employing technicians across multiple coastal communities to collect and test samples from various marine organisms. This proactive approach allows for timely warnings and enables people to make informed decisions about their harvests. Reinstating funding for this critical program should be a priority to safeguard public health, protect subsistence practices, and ensure Alaskans can continue to safely enjoy the state's rich marine resources. The potential consequences of not having a robust PSP monitoring system in place are simply too severe to ignore.