Most Whatcom County beaches safe for recreational shellfishing

Health officials have reopened most Whatcom County beaches to recreational shellfish harvesting after tests showed marine biotoxins returning to safe levels.

The exception is Birch Bay, which remains closed for all molluscan shellfish including clams, mussels, oysters and scallops.

Shellfish in stores and restaurants are tested for marine toxins before going to market and are safe to eat.

Biotoxin levels, which can change rapidly, have been rising and falling since April, health officials said.

So people should check for current biotoxin and pollution closures online at doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm, or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish in the state.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Most Whatcom County beaches safe for recreational shellfishing."