BELLINGHAM, Wash. – All Whatcom County beaches are now closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.
The county health department says unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin have been found in samples from north county beaches.
Beaches in south Whatcom County had already been closed to shellfish gathering because of the toxin.
The new findings mean the entire county, including Point Roberts, is now closed to recreational harvesting.
Shellfish bought at commercial markets and restaurants have been tested and are safe to eat.