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Shellfish

Posted on: June 26, 2023

Current Clallam County Recreational Shellfish Harvesting Closures

DOHDangerToxic4X5

The following beaches in Clallam County are currently listed with the closure status in effect:

DATEBEACHESSTATUS
9/1/2023West Strait of Juan de Fuca from Cape Flattery to Pillar PointClosed to all species
8/31/23Discovery BayClosed to all species
8/30/23East Strait of Juan de Fuca from Pillar Point to Jefferson County LineClosed to all species
8/29/23Sequim BayClosed to all species
OngoingSeasonal closure of ocean beaches (May - October)
Closed to all species


Closed to all species means clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. All areas are closed for the sport harvest of scallops. These closures do not apply to shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain biotoxins, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (butter). 

It is important to know the difference between butter clams and other species of clams. Butter clams have the ability to retain toxins for a very long time - up to a year or more. Areas may be closed for the sport harvest of butter clams when all other species are safe and open. 

For more information about this closure, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1.800.562.5632, or visit the Department of Health’ s Marine Biotoxin Website.  For additional information call Audrey Coyne with the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Shellfish and Water Protection at 360.236.3354. 

These health-related closures are in addition to closures regulated by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fish and Wildlife closures can be found on their website. Their emergency regulation hotline is 1.866.880.5431

DOH Marine Biotoxin Website
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