The STA Environmental Research Lab believes that the toxins detected in butter clams at Starrigavan this week may be residual from last summer. A new bloom of alexandrium, which produces the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxin, was recently observed in the area. (Flickr photo/Walter Lin)

The STA Environmental Research Lab believes that the toxins detected in butter clams at Starrigavan this week may be residual from last summer. A new bloom of alexandrium, which produces the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxin, was recently observed in the area. (Flickr photo/Walter Lin)

Update Monday, 5-9-16, 4:30 PM

The shellfish advisory for Starrigavan Beach in Sitka remains in effect. The STAERL reports biotoxins above federally-approved levels in butter clams, little neck clams, and cockles. Find test sample results here.

Friday, 5-6-16

The STA Environmental Research Lab has detected unsafe levels of biotoxins in shellfish samples collected this week on Starrigavan Beach in Sitka. The lab is advising Sitkans to NOT harvest clams in this area over the weekend. Sampling updates can be found here.