PARTIAL SHELLFISH OPENING

JCPH: Partial Shellfish Opening North Hood Canal to Triton Cove

Recent shellfish samples taken from Hood Canal indicate that the level of biotoxins has dropped below the closure limit for some shellfish species such as littleneck clams, manila clams, mussels, and oysters. However, geoduck, butter and varnish clams remain closed by the Washington Department of Health (DOH) to recreational shellfish harvesting due to the fact that they retain toxins for a longer period. Discovery Bay, Port Ludlow, and Mats Mats Bay remain closed for all species due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin. Geoduck are not usually selectively closed for PSP toxins, however the extreme PSP levels found in Hood Canal during this season require additional testing to confirm safety. New signs including closure of geoduck, butter and varnish clams will be posted at certain beaches with geoduck populations such as the Duckabush River, Seal Rock USFS campground, and Hicks County Park. These biotoxin closures do not apply to crab.

To find out which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington, and for a link to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) harvesting seasons and rules, please check the map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches or call WDFW Fish Program customer service at 360-902-2700.