Whatcom County Health Department announced today all Whatcom County beaches are closed to recreational harvest for all species of molluscan shellfish (e.g. oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops) due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin (PSP).
Back in May, beaches from Sandy Point to and including Point Roberts were closed. On May 31st, Health officials announced biotoxin levels had dropped enough to reopen Drayton Harbor but left all other beaches between Sandy Point and Point Roberts closed.
Today’s announcement closes all Whatcom County beaches.
If you harvest molluscan shellfish from local beaches, Health Department officials say to be aware:
Click for more information- PSP biotoxin can be deadly. Avoid harvesting all species of molluscan shellfish during a closure.
- Mussels and varnish clams usually contain more toxin than other species during a closure.
- Biotoxin levels in clams and oysters are not routinely monitored until toxin levels in mussels drop. Assume all molluscan shellfish are unsafe in the closure zone.
- Biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking.
Shellfish sold in stores and restaurants are tested before shipping and are safe to consume.
Health officials say they collect samples each week to monitor biotoxin levels and will notify the public when biotoxin levels have returned below the closure limit.
Biotoxin levels can change rapidly officials warn. Shellfish harvesters can check current biotoxin and pollution closures anywhere in Washington State at the DOH website or by calling the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.