For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 ext. 301
Port Townsend, WA. Recent clam samples from Discovery Bay tested negative for the biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and Washington Department of Health has opened Discovery Bay for recreational harvesting of all shellfish species. Jefferson County Public Health has removed warning signs at public access points in Discovery Bay.
In June, 2022, Discovery Bay closed for all species due to the toxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Later that month, the PSP toxin level also climbed above the safe limit. Even after toxin levels started to decline in other mollusk species, butter and varnish clams remained closed, until today. Elsewhere in Jefferson County, butter and varnish clams remain closed due to biotoxin in:
- Kilisut Harbor (including Fort Flagler)
- Mystery Bay
- Oak Bay
- Mats Mats Bay
- Port Ludlow
To find out which areas in Washington are safe to harvest shellfish, please check the Shellfish Safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing or call the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.
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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community
