The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) upgraded the recreational harvest status of local beaches on 

November 1.

Biotoxin levels in shellfish have dropped in northern Whatcom County, and shellfish harvesting is open to everything but varnish clams from Point Whitehorn north to the border. It’s still closed for all species for areas south of Point Whitehorn because of elevated PSP and DSP biotoxins. 

PSP intoxication can be life-threatening, while DSP can cause severe diarrhea lasting several days. 

For more information, call the DOH biotoxin hotline at 800/562-5632.