For Immediate Release 
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 ext. 301

Port Townsend, WA. Washington State Department of Health has removed the shellfish biotoxin closure at all Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay public beaches due to declining levels of the toxin that causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). Although many beaches have reopened, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recreational harvest seasons remain closed at the Quilcene Boat Ramp wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270111 and Point Whitney Tidelands wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270170. Additionally, all Hood Canal waters including Quilcene and Dabob Bays have an active Vibrio bacteria warning. Cook all recreationally harvested shellfish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds to prevent illness. 

To find out which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington, check the map at http://doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit the Fish and Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing or call the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.

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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community