GRAYS HARBOR RE-OPEN TO RECREATIONAL HARVEST OF ALL SHELLFISH
Dan Hammock
Media Contact: Jeff Nelson, Director
Phone: 360-249-4222
Email: EHD@co.grays-harbor.wa.us
Grays Harbor – Grays Harbor has re-opened for recreational shellfishing of all species. Levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) have fallen below the recreational closure limit. This area boundary is inside Grays Harbor only and does not include ocean beaches. Commercially harvested shellfish are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.
PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing a potent toxin. A naturally occurring organism produces the toxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. A person cannot determine if the toxin is present by visual inspection. PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing. Therefore, recreational shellfish harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or access the Shellfish Safety website at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Grays Harbor. Before harvesting, also remember to check harvest seasons and licensing requirements. Contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about licensing and fishing regulations at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations.