All Clallam County beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, except those on Sequim Bay, are now closed to recreational harvesting of all types of shellfish.
Until last week, beaches were closed only from Pillar Point to the Jefferson County line.
The discovery of elevated levels of marine biotoxins that cause potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) now have prompted the late Thursday closure of beaches from Cape Flattery to Pillar Point.
Results received from samples taken Monday found 179 micrograms of PSP per 100 grams of tissue, the state Department of Health said.
The health threshold is 80 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.
Sequim Bay beaches are closed to the harvest only of butter and varnish clams.
Discovery Bay continues to be closed to the harvesting of all species.
Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, in Jefferson County continues to be closed to harvesting of butter clams and varnish clams.
A seasonal closure is in effect on all Pacific Ocean beaches in both counties.
Commercially harvested shellfish are tested for toxins prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
Danger signs are posted or will be posted at commonly used public access points where beaches are closed to harvesting.
A closure of all species means that people should not harvest clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of molluscan shellfish.
Crab meat is not known to contain the biotoxin but the guts can contain unsafe levels. Clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (also known as the “butter”).
Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
Symptoms of PSP 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.
Recreational shellfish harvesters should check the shellfish safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the biotoxin hotline at 800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in the state.
Recreational harvesters should also check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish or call the hotline at 866-880-5431.
