Some beaches open for shellfish

Published 12:01 am Sunday, November 11, 2012

Port Townsend Bay, Oak Bay, Admiralty Inlet and North Hood Canal have reopened for recreational shellfishing.

Levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, or PSP, are now below the recreational closure level for these four areas, the Jefferson County Public Health announced Friday.

Other beaches in Jefferson County — and all beaches in Clallam County — remain closed because of marine biotoxin levels or pollution.

Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, remains closed to butter clams only.

Warning signs have been posted at high-use beaches affected by shellfish closures.

The closures affect clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of molluscan shellfish.

The closure does not apply to shrimp.

Crabmeat is not known to contain biotoxins, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts.

Cooking or freezing does not destroy marine biotoxins.

Before harvesting shellfish, check the state Department of Health website at http://tinyurl.com/7u33gob or phone the state biotoxin hotline at 800-562-5632.