The state Health Department has closed all Skagit County beaches to recreational shellfish harvesting because toxins have been discovered in the water, according to a news release from the county Health Department.
Due to a recent sample of shellfish containing elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (Red Tide), all of Skagit County and north Puget Sound has been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting. The closure was announced on Thursday by the Washington State Department of Health. Shellfish harvest closures will remain until additional sampling indicates toxin levels have declined.
Continued sampling will determine if the closure area needs to be expanded. For complete beach closure information in other counties, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.
Early symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning include numbness and tingling around the lips and some loss of motor control. If you should have any of these symptoms after eating shellfish have someone take you to the Emergency Room of your local hospital immediately or call 911 for assistance.
If you have questions please call Jeanne King at the Skagit County Health Department at 360 336-9380.