Shellfish closures lifted for some species in Hood Canal

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  Shellfish closures lifted for some species in Hood Canal“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.”
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  Littleneck clams, mussels, and oysters now safe to harvest in Hood Canal; geoduck, butter, and varnish clams remain closed due to toxin levels.“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.”
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  Recent shellfish samples from Hood Canal show biotoxin levels have dropped below closure limits for certain species including littleneck clams, manila clams, mussels, and oysters.“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.”
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  Geoduck, butter, and varnish clams remain closed for recreational harvesting due to longer toxin retention, and Discovery Bay, Port Ludlow, and Mats Mats Bay stay closed for all species because of high paralytic shellfish poisoning levels.“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.”

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 ext. 301Recent 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.###Jefferson County Public HealthAlways Working for a Safer and Healthier Community Loading
Source: https://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1804