The Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational shellfish harvesting at all Whatcom County beaches after unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin were detected at multiple locations throughout the county. The closure, announced April 17, applies to all molluscan shellfish species including clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops at every beach in Whatcom County, including all of Point Roberts.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning, commonly called PSP, is one of the most dangerous marine biotoxins. Unlike some foodborne illnesses, it cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing. The toxin is produced by microscopic algae that filter feeders accumulate in their tissue. Symptoms can appear within minutes or take up to two hours, beginning with numbness and tingling of the lips and tongue, then spreading to the fingers and limbs, followed in severe cases by respiratory paralysis. Death from PSP can occur in under 30 minutes.
Mussels typically carry the highest toxin concentrations and are considered most dangerous during a PSP closure. Biotoxin levels can change quickly depending on water temperature and algae bloom activity. The Washington State DOH Shellfish Closure map is updated as conditions change and is the authoritative source for current harvesting status. Harvesters should also call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before collecting shellfish anywhere in Washington State.
The closure covers every Whatcom County shoreline location including Birch Bay, Chuckanut Bay, and Portage Bay. The exact reopening date depends on ongoing laboratory testing results. Lummi Nation tidelands are governed separately and closed to all non-tribal visitors. Tribal members should check the Lummi Nation Beach Closures page for the latest tribal harvest information.
Commercially sold shellfish are tested before distribution and are safe to eat. The closure applies only to recreational harvesters collecting directly from Whatcom County beaches. Crab meat is not affected by PSP biotoxins, but crab butter and internal organs can concentrate biotoxins and should always be discarded during any active PSP closure period.
The algae that produce shellfish biotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. Harvesters cannot assess safety on their own. Always check the state map or call the hotline before harvesting. This closure follows a separate shellfish recall linked to norovirus risk announced April 17, as detailed at this earlier report. Updates will be posted through Whatcom County's official channels as conditions change.
