Areas on the Strait of Juan de Fuca have been closed to recreational harvesting of butter clams.
Critically elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin, often referred to as red tide, were found in samples, the Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services said today.
Sequim Bay and a stretch along the Strait from Green Point west to Low Point, which includes Freshwater Bay, are closed only to butter clam harvesting.
No closures are in effect for the Strait beaches west from Low Point or from Dungenes Spit west to Green Point.
All ocean beaches are presently closed for the season to all recreational shellfish harvesting.
The state Department of Health closures are only for butter clams, which can retain PSP for long durations, sometimes more than a year, the state health department has said.
Closures are not in effect for other shellfish species.
Eating contaminated shellfish can paralyze breathing muscles and lead to suffocation.
Common symptoms of PSP poisoning include tingly lips and tongue moving to the hands and feet which may begin within minutes of eating the shellfish.
Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP levels reach 80 micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish tissue.
PSP is caused by an algae called alexandrium cantella. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
Recreational shellfish harvesters should phone 1-800-562-5632 or check www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington state, the state health department said.
