North Whatcom County beaches from Sandy Point to Point Roberts have reopened for shellfish harvesting, the Whatcom County Health Department announced Thursday.
The beaches had previously been closed due to hazardous paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin levels. Areas south of Sandy Point still contain toxic levels and remain closed.
When a biotoxin is present, mussels and clams typically contain the highest concentration of the toxin, according to a Health Department release. The biotoxin is not destroyed through freezing or cooking, and if enough of the toxin is ingested, PSP can cause muscles in the chest and abdomen to become paralyzed, leading to suffocation.
All shellfish sold in restaurants and retail markets have been tested and are safe to eat, the release stated.
Biotoxin levels can change rapidly. Harvesters should check current biotoxin and pollution closures before digging for shellfish anywhere in the state.
