Shellfish harvesting partially reopens in north Whatcom County

County health officials have partially lifted the molluscan shellfish biotoxin closure in north Whatcom County, allowing shellfish harvesting with the exception of butter and varnish clams along beaches from Sandy Point to the U.S./Canada border.

The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department announced the partial reopening in an October 7 press release, stating that paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin levels dropped in shellfish in north Whatcom County, including west Lummi Island and Point Roberts.

Molluscan shellfish includes clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. Mussels and varnish clams typically have the highest toxin concentration, and butter clams and varnish clams often retain toxins longer, according to the county health department.

Shellfish in restaurants, such as Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, and markets are safe to eat because they have been tested.

Biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing, according to the health department.

The health department will continue to monitor biotoxins in molluscan shellfish and notify the public if levels become unsafe.

To see biotoxin and pollution closures, visit the Washington Shellfish Safety Map at bit.ly/3caFDiH or call the Washington State Department of Health biotoxin line at 800/562-5632.