Shellfish harvest restrictions updated

Published 11:55 am Thursday, March 20, 2014

Effective immediately, the State of Washington Department of Health updated harvest closures of the following beaches for the recreational harvest of the species of shellfish listed.

The following beaches in Clallam County are listed with the closure in effect.

Beaches

• Extended seasonal closure of ocean beaches, closed to all species

• The Strait of Juan de Fuca from Pillar Point west to Cape Flattery, closed to all species

• The Strait of Juan de Fuca from Pillar Point eastward to the Jefferson County line, closed to butter and varnish clams only

• Dungeness Bay, no closures

• Discovery Bay and Sequim Bay, closed to butter and varnish clams only

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 PSP toxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (butter).

It is important to know the difference between butter clams and other species of clams. Butter clams have the ability to retain toxins for a very long time — up to a year or more. Areas may be closed for the sport harvest of butter clams when all other species are safe and open.

For more information about this closure, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 800-562-5632.