Toxins force closure of Samish Bay shellfish harvest

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — A large algae bloom is causing high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins in shellfish in Skagit County..

The Skagit County Public Health Department has closed recreational shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay.

Last week, high biotoxin levels prompted the closure of all Whatcom County beaches to recreational shellfish harvesting.

Check with the health department for regular updates on water quality tests.