PORT ANGELES – The Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Division, has announced new shellfish harvest closures for local beaches, effective immediately.

The Washington State Department of Health has updated harvest closures for all Clallam County beaches, including Sequim Bay. These closures prohibit the recreational harvest of all shellfish species.

Starting June 26, 2024, the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Cape Flattery to the Jefferson County line was closed to all species. Discovery Bay followed on June 27, 2024, and as of today, Sequim Bay joins the list of closed areas. Additionally, the seasonal closure of ocean beaches remains in effect, also prohibiting the harvest of all species.

The term “closed to all species” encompasses clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels, and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. Sport harvesting of scallops is also prohibited. These closures do not affect shrimp. While crabmeat is generally safe, the crab guts (butter) can contain unsafe levels of biotoxins and should be discarded after thorough cleaning.

Butter clams are particularly noted for their ability to retain toxins for up to a year or more, which means certain areas may remain closed for their harvest even when other species are deemed safe.