SEQUIM — Sequim Bay-area beaches have been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting due to elevated levels of marine biotoxins.
Recent shellfish samples from the area showed an increase in biotoxins, prompting the state Department of Health closure, according to a news release Monday from Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Division.
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxins prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
In Clallam County, all other beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain open to shellfish harvesting of all species.
All Pacific coast beaches are closed for the season.
Discovery Bay beaches in Clallam and Jefferson counties are closed to harvesting.
Previously announced closures to all species in Jefferson County — including Quilcene Bay and the area south of Dabob Bay to the Mason County line — remain in effect because of biotoxin levels.
Port Ludlow and Mats Mats Bay beaches remain closed to all species.
This closure zone extends east around Tala Point but does not include the Tala Shore beach.
Also in Jefferson, Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, remains closed to butter and varnish clam harvesting.
At Dabob Bay, a vibrio bacteria warning is in place, and all shellfish harvested from the bay area should be cooked prior to consumption.
