All Whatcom County beaches are currently closed to shellfish harvesting because of unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin.
The Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational harvest for all species of molluscan shellfish on all Whatcom County beaches that are not under the jurisdiction of Lummi Nation. Lummi Nation residents should obtain the latest information about safe harvest from Lummi Natural Resources: Lummi Nation: Natural Resources | Harvest Management | Beach Closures (lummi-nsn.gov).
PSP can be deadly. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing the shellfish. The first signs of PSP are tingling in your lips and tongue, which can start within minutes after ingesting shellfish containing the toxin. If you note any of these symptoms after eating shellfish seek medical attention immediately.
This is a major concern for public safety and we want to remind residents and visitors that before harvesting any shellfish you should always:
- Check the Shellfish Safety online map at the Washington State Department of Health. This map is updated immediately whenever conditions change.
- Check the beach for warning, caution and closure signs. Closures may be for all species or only for specific kinds of molluscan shellfish.
A recent outbreak of PSP in Oregon sickened 31 people after they harvested mussels near areas closed due to elevated PSP biotoxin. The closures were then expanded to include all of the Oregon’s northern coast.
Molluscan shellfish include clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. Mussels usually contain the highest toxin concentration, but popular species like butter and varnish clams can also accumulate toxin faster and hold on to the toxins longer. Crab meat is not affected, but “crab butter” and crab entrails can harbor biotoxins and should always be discarded.
Ceremonial, subsistence and commercial shellfish harvest on tidelands within Lummi Nation are under the jurisdiction of Lummi Nation and closed to all non-tribal visitors. Please visit the Lummi Natural Resources web site for the latest harvest information within Lummi Nation: Natural Resources | Harvest Management | Beach Closures (lummi-nsn.gov).
