The Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Division announces updated shellfish harvest information for beaches in Clallam County.

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.

In Clallam County, the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Cape Flattery east to the Jefferson County line, including Dungeness Bay, is closed to all species of shellfish.

Sequim Bay and Discovery Bay are closed to butter clams and varnish clams; Dungeness Bay is closed to all species.

All species means clams (including geoduck), oyster, 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, call Jessica Pankey with the Clallam County Environmental Health Food Safety Program at 417-2418.