BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Health Department has closed Whatcom County beaches to recreational shellfish harvest because of high levels of red tide. The marine biotoxin can be deadly if eaten. The department said Wednesday it has been found at high levels in shellfish samples collected from Squalicum Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Spit.
The county health department will continue to test beaches and notify the public when it’s safe to resume harvest.
Commercially harvested shellfish are tested separately, and products in local grocery stores should be safe to eat.
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Information from: The Bellingham Herald, http://www.bellinghamherald.com
