QUICK SUMMARY
Whatcom County has closed all beaches for recreational shellfish harvesting due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detected in local shellfish. This includes species such as oysters, mussels, and scallops, affecting areas from Bellingham Bay to Drayton Harbor. Residents are advised to check for biotoxin closures before harvesting.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has closed all beaches for recreational shellfish harvesting due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detected in local shellfish. The closure impacts species such as oysters, mussels, and scallops, spanning from Bellingham Bay to Drayton Harbor. This ban follows a previous report of a harvest ban in Birch Bay, indicating a persistent health concern in the region. PSP can lead to mild symptoms like numbness and loss of control, but severe cases may result in paralysis and suffocation. Residents are advised to check the Washington Shellfish Closure map or call the Department of Health Biotoxin Hotline for current information. The health department's actions aim to protect public health amid rising biotoxin levels. Local shellfish harvesting is essential to the community's culture and economy, making these closures significant. Ongoing monitoring and public awareness are crucial as shellfish harvesting season approaches.