BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Some good news for people who harvest shellfish in Bellingham and Chuckanut Bays.
The Whatcom County Health Department announced marine toxin levels dropped in some mollusk species, so the closure now applies only to butter and varnish clams.
Other species, such as mussels, oysters, and scallops are safe.
The Health Department reminds the public biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing and can only be detected by laboratory testing, so shellfish harvesters are encouraged to always check for current closures before harvesting anywhere in the state.
Shellfish sold in restaurants and retail markets are tested before distribution and are safe to eat.