Shellfish Advisories

Closure Alerts

As of January 6, 2026, the following areas are CLOSED for the recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only due to biotoxin:

  • Saratoga Passage, including Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor
  • Port Susan

Check before you harvest

** Always check the Washington State Department of Health’s Shellfish Safety Map immediately before and after you harvest for the most up-to-date closure information. For more information, visit the WA Department of Health’s Recreational Shellfish Website, or contact Island County Environmental Health’s main office at 360-679-7350.

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 (DOH) Shellfish Safety Information website for the current status of a beach before harvesting.

From June through October, the DOH advises that all shellfish recreationally harvested in all marine waters should be cooked thoroughly to avoid illness due to vibriosis.

Beaches may be closed, or have a harvest advisory, for the following reasons: 

  1. Marine biotoxins, such as Paralytic Shellfish Poison. 
  2. 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.
  3. Illness: Vibrio parahaemolyticus also known as “vibriosis”. 
  4. Resource Closures by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Biotoxin Myths and Misconceptions

You can learn about biotoxin myths and misconceptions here. Biotoxin is not related to water pollution. Biotoxins can be present in otherwise pristine waters, and even heavily polluted waters can be biotoxin-free.

Commercial Shellfish Operations 

Commercial shellfish operations are overseen by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). DOH regularly tests bivalve shellfish and the water in which they grow to ensure the shellfish are safe to eat. Shellfish harvested commercially that are available in stores and restaurants are tested for toxins prior to distribution and are safe to eat. Visit DOH’s Commercial Shellfish page for more information. For updates on local commercial shellfish, see the Growing Closure Area Report.

Helpful Resources