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BEACH CLOSURES
Marine Biotoxin (Red Tide) Hotline - 1-800-562-5632
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm
A beach is closed by the Washington State Department of Health when test results indicate an unsafe amount of PSP toxin in samples from that beach. The algae that produces harmful PSP toxin usually appears in early summer.
When a closure occurs, the Department of Health updates the Marine Biotoxin Hotline and Beach Closure Bulletin, and notifies Clallam County of the closure. The Environmental Health Division notifies the local public by issuing press releases and posting notices on the beach to notify.
Is it illegal to collect shellfish on a beach that's closed by the State Department of Health?
No, it is not illegal. Beach closures are public health recommendations. The County and the Department of Health do not have the authority to stop you from collecting shellfish. However, if you choose to collect shellfish on a beach that is closed, you do so at your own risk.
Shellfishing Seasons
Always check with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife also. They regulate recreational shellfishing seasons. Some beaches may not be open year round. Fish and Wildlife can ticket you if you do not have a proper permit, or are harvesting on a closed beach. Please see their 2002 regulations.
Contact Environmental Health with questions or comments about the information on this page.
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