Birch Bay shellfish harvest closed

The recreational harvest of molluscan shellfish has been closed to all species in Birch Bay.

An increase in biotoxin levels in Birch Bay waters is responsible for the closure, said a July 11 press release from the Whatcom County health department.

Other closures remain in effect. Point Roberts beaches remain closed to all species of shellfish harvest pending further testing. Bellingham Bay south to the Skagit County line, excluding Chuckanut Bay and Larrabee State Park, remain closed to butter and varnish clam harvest only. Parts of Chuckanut Bay and Larrabee State Park are closed due to pollution.

Biotoxin levels can change rapidly, so shellfish harvesters are advised to always check for current shellfish closures before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington state. Harvesters can consult the Washington Shellfish Safety Map at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety or call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 800/562-5632.