PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Public Health has partially lifted its closure of shellfish harvesting from Discovery Bay.
Those areas had been closed to harvesting due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poison, a naturally occurring marine biotoxin produced by certain microscopic algae.
Public health previously lifted restrictions from Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor, Mystery Bay, Oak Bay, Port Ludlow, Mats Mats Bay, the northern shore of the Quimper Peninsula and the eastern shore of Marrowstone Island.
All the beaches remain closed to butter and varnish clam harvesting as those species can retain the biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning for up to a year.
Additionally, with the reopening of winter crab season on Oct. 1, Public health warns that, while crab meat is safe, toxins can accumulate in crab guts and butter, the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell.
Crabs should be thoroughly cleaned, and the crab butter and guts should be discarded.
For the most up-to-date fisheries information, call Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2700 or visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches.
For a map of safe shellfish harvest areas, visit www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.
