The primary goal of the Recreational Shellfish Program is to provide information about where and how to safely harvest shellfish that are free of contamination. To achieve this goal, the department:

• Classifies recreational beaches by locating potential shoreline pollution sources and evaluating water quality for bacteria; and

• Monitors beaches for biotoxins (PSP and Domoic Acid), temporarily closing beaches when biotoxin levels present a danger to human health.  

Always check to see if a beach is approved and open for recreational harvest prior to going to the beach.  Our new biotoxin web site has this information available on the biotoxin bulletin, which lists biotoxin closures by county, and also has clickable maps that have beach-specific information on both biotoxin and pollution closures, as well as links to Department of Ecology shoreline photos. In addition to the website, you can call a 24-hour PSP Hotline, 1-800-562-5632, that has up to date biotoxin closure information.  It's also a good idea to contact the local health department in the area to make sure no temporary closures are in effect.

Another good resource is the Harvest Checklist, which gives information on things you should do before and after harvesting shellfish, and includes links to Department of Fish & Wildlife shellfish regulations (size and catch limits), local health departments, and other useful information.

For more information, please contact Greg Combs by email at greg.combs@doh.wa.gov or by phone at 360-236-3308.

DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health. Shellfish Program Office of Shellfish and Water Protection Division of Environmental Health Washington State Department of Health Mailing address:  PO Box 47824                           Olympia, WA  98504-7824 Physical address:  111 E. Israel Road SE                            Tumwater, WA Phone:  360-236-3330 Fax:     360-236-2257 Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office. For comments or questions regarding this Web site, please send email to OSWP Web Coordinator.

 Last Update: 02/13/2008 03:16 PM