The Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Division announces a recreational shellfish closure in Sequim Bay due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. This is in addition to the existing Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning closure in Sequim Bay.

Effective July 12, all ocean beaches, the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the Dungeness Spit westward to Cape Flattery, Sequim Bay and Discovery Bay were closed to harvest of all species of shellfish.

All species means clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. All areas are closed for the sport harvest of scallops. These closures do not apply to shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain the biotoxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (butter).

Warning signs have been posted at public beaches.

Call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 800-562-5632.