Welcome to Skagit County

June 18th, 2010

Fidalgo Bay has been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.

Due to a recent sample of shellfish containing elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (Red Tide), Fidalgo Bay has been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting. The closure was announced on June 18, 2010 by the Washington State Department of Health. Fidalgo Bay will remain closed until additional sampling indicates toxin levels have declined.

Recent samples from other recreational shellfish harvesting areas in Skagit County have shown toxin levels increasing, but not to the level of closure yet. Closures because of high toxin levels are also occurring in Whatcom and San Juan counties. Continued sampling will determine if the closure area needs to be expanded. Commercially harvested shellfish are tested before being sent to market. For complete beach closure information in other counties, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.

Early symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning include numbness and tingling around the lips and some loss of motor control. If you should have any of these symptoms after eating shellfish have someone take you to the Emergency Room of your local hospital immediately or call 911 for assistance.

If you have questions please call Jeanne King at the Skagit County Health Department.

Telephone number: 360 336-9380

Skagit County Health Department
Public Health Press Release
June 18, 2010