The areas between the Lyre River to the Jefferson County line, Discovery Bay and McCurdy Point west to the Clallam County line are now closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.
The closures were announced today after samples taken Wednesday found high levels of the marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in samples of shellfish.
Sequim Bay and Kilisut Harbor including Mystery Bay are open to all but the harvest of butter clams and varnish clams, which can hold toxins for a year.
Ocean beaches are in a seasonal closure now.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and potentially death.
Toxins cannot be detected by sight or smell. Neither cooking nor freezing destroys biotoxins.
All species means clams, oysters, mussels and other invertebrates including the moon snail. The closures do not apply to shrimp.
Crab meat has not been known to contain biotoxins, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (butter).
Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or phoning 800-562-5632.
The emergency regulation hotline is 866-880-5431.
