||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
Recreational shellfish harvesting of all species is open again to all San Juan County beaches, except for East Sound. This ends the closure of all beaches announced in late September 2025 due to unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). While beaches remain open, please check the Washington Shellfish Safety Map or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before you dig as biotoxin levels can change rapidly.
If you want to harvest shellfish recreationally, there are tips and resources available to help you prevent shellfish-related illnesses.
- Have a plan. There is a Shellfish Harvest Planner available online with tips for having a safe and successful shellfishing trip including checking beach closures, getting your license, and knowing the seasons and limits.
- Know your shellfish. Different types of shellfish absorb biotoxins at different rates, so you may see closures listed for specific species. Here is an online resource to help you identify different shellfish on our shores.
- Handle, store, and cook your shellfish properly. Some illnesses, like vibriosis and norovirus, can be prevented with proper harvesting and cooking practices. Check out these online resources!
Recreational shellfish harvesting beach closures do not mean that commercial shellfish operations are closed. You can see which commercial areas are currently “closed” at Shellfish Growing Areas Closures (wa.gov) or sign up for alerts here. Commercial growers test shellfish at least weekly for biotoxin levels to protect the health and safety of their customers. They wait for the test results before harvesting and/or distributing the product. Local growers meet strict biotoxin testing requirements and follow multiple shellfish growing and food safety protocols, such as Vibrio Control Plan Rule Requirements and Shellfish Wet Storage Requirements. They also maintain records of where and when shellfish are harvested and distributed, so that shellfish can be recalled, and, if necessary, alert consumers.
About Our Shellfish Safety Program
San Juan County Health & Community Services works in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health to ensure safe harvesting of recreational shellfish. Shellfish from different areas of the County are collected on a routine basis from April to October and sent to the Public Health Lab where they are analyzed for biotoxin levels. Based on the biotoxin levels, the State may close certain areas for certain species. We continue to monitor, and when biotoxin levels return to a safe level the area will be reopened. For the most current information regarding closures, and the harvesting of recreational shellfish, see the Shellfish Safety Map.
Relevant URLs:
- Shellfish Safety | San Juan County
- Washington Shellfish Safety Map | Washington State Department of Health
- Shellfish Harvest Planner | Washington State Department of Health
- Shellfish Handling, Storing, and Cooking | Washington State Department of Health
- Public clam, mussel, and oyster beaches | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/
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