Skagit County





PRESS RELEASE

October 13, 2023




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360-416-1500






FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recreational Shellfish Closures Lifted in Some Areas of Skagit County

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Routine monitoring of shellfish for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins has shown a decline in the concentration of PSP toxins. In response, the Washington State Department of Health has lifted the following closures for recreational shellfish harvesting:


* WEST FIDALGO ISLAND
* SOUTH SKAGIT
* SIMILK BAY

Additionally, harvesting remains closed to butter and varnish clams at Samish Island. Continued sampling will determine changes in closures due to vibrio, biotoxin, and pollution.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning levels can change rapidly. Shellfish harvesters are advised to ?Know Before You Dig? by always checking for closures using the Shellfish Safety Map [ [link removed] ] or by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.

As a reminder, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works closely with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to ensure safe, legal harvest of shellfish on state beaches. In order to safely and legally harvest shellfish for human consumption, *both* the DOH health status [ [link removed] ] and the WDFW season [ [link removed] ] for a beach must be OPEN.

harvest status

*Safely Harvesting Shellfish*


* Just before you leave to harvest, always check for closures and advisories due to vibrio, biotoxins, and pollution using the Shellfish?Safety Map [ [link removed] ], by contacting your local health department, or by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.

* Always safely handle, store, and cook shellfish [ [link removed] ].

* Know your shellfish. If you need a refresher, here is a guide on shellfish identification [ [link removed] ].


* Learn more about preventing shellfish-related illness here [ [link removed] ].

For more information about recreational shellfish safety, visit the Washington State Department of Health?s Recreational Shellfish page [ [link removed] ]. For questions, please contact Samantha Russell at [email protected] or call (360) 416-1500.

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Skagit County [ [link removed] ]

SKAGIT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

County Commissioners: Lisa Janicki, Peter Browning, Ron Wesen
1800 Continental Place, Suite 100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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