The state has closed Sequim Bay to all recreational harvest of all species of shellfish because of a surge in biotoxins.
The announcement on Friday means that Sequim Bay is the only beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Clallam and Jefferson counties that is closed to the harvest of all species.
Discovery Bay, Fort Flagler State Park, Killisut Harbor and Mystery Bay are closed to the harvest of butter clams and varnish clams only.
Ocean beaches are closed for sport harvesting from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.
Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat, the state said.
The closure does not apply to shrimp. Crab meat also is not known to contain toxins but the guts can harbor unsafe levels so they must be thoroughly cleaned.
Species that are not to be harvested are clams — including geoduck — oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail.
All areas are closed to the harvest of scallops.
Toxins cannot be detected by sight or smell. Neither cooking nor freezing destroys biotoxins.
Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or calling 800-562-5632.
The emergency regulation hotline is 866-880-5431.
