Programs -
Shellfish Resources -
Shellfish Advisories
Shellfish Advisories
Island County has 212 miles of shoreline with 57 public beaches and 22 private beaches. Always check the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Information web site for a current status of a beach before harvesting.
Beaches may be closed, or have a harvest advisory, for the following reasons:
- Marine Biotoxins, such as Paralytic Shellfish Poison.
- Pollution: Bacterial, Contamination, Oil Spills, Flooding, Wastewater Treatment Plant overflows, and Preemptive Closure Zones around Treated Wastewater Discharges. These include Oak Harbor, Crescent Harbor, Penn Cove and Langley.
- Illness: Vibrio parahaemolyticus also known as “vibriosis”.
- Resource Closures by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Hotline (800) 562-5632, also known as the Marine Biotoxin Bulletin.
Vibriosis Informaiton:
During the months of June through October, the Washington State Department of Health advises that all shellfish recreationally harvested in all marine water, should be cooked thoroughly to avoid illness due to vibriosis.
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