SEQUIM — All Clallam County beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca are now closed to recreational shellfish harvests due to the presence of marine biotoxins, health officials announced.
Sequim Bay, which was previously under a limited shellfish closure, was closed Friday to the recreational harvest of all species due to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, according to the state Department of Health.
Prior to the downgrade, Sequim Bay had been closed to the harvest of butter and varnish clams only.
Other Clallam County beaches have been closed to all species for elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The all-species closure means clams — including geoduck — oysters, mussels and moon snails.
In Jefferson County, Strait of Juan de Fuca beaches from the Clallam County line east to Port Townsend, including Discovery Bay, are closed to all species.
Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, is closed to harvesting butter and varnish clams, according to a state Department of health bulletin.
Pacific Ocean beaches are under seasonal closure for all species.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and potentially death.
The toxin cannot be detected by sight or smell, the health department said. Neither cooking nor freezing destroys biotoxins.
Shrimp and crab meat does not accumulate biotoxins, although crab guts — sometimes called butter — can contain unsafe levels.
People preparing crab are urged to clean them thoroughly and discard the butter.
Butter clams especially concentrate biotoxins, which might remain in the shellfish for years.
Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or phoning 800-562-5632.
Health-related closures are in addition to seasonal closures regulated by Fish and Wildlife, found at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
The emergency regulation hotline is 866-880-5431.
