Skagit County shellfish harvest closure expands due to Red Tide

Elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (Red Tide) have been found in several recreational harvest locations throughout Skagit County. In response, the Washington State Department of Health closed Fidalgo, Padilla and Samish Bays and Guemes Channel south to Rosario Head, including Guemes, Burrows and Allan islands to recreational shellfish harvesting Sept. 28.

The expanded closure was announced Friday. These areas are closed until additional sampling indicates toxin levels have declined.

Early symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning include numbness and tingling around the lips and some loss of motor control. If these symptoms appear after eating shellfish, the person needs to go to the emergency room immediately or call 911 for assistance.

For questions about beaches in Skagit County, e-mail Jeanne King, [email protected].

For complete beach closure information in other counties, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline, 1-800-562-5632 or https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/maps/biotoxin/biotoxin.html.