WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – High levels of biotoxins have led to new shellfish harvesting restrictions north of Bellingham.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) have been detected in the waters near Birch Bay.

All recreational shellfish harvesting is now closed from Sandy Point up to the Canadian border, including all of Point Roberts.

PSP biotoxins cannot be frozen or cooked out from affected shellfish.

If consumed, can cause symptoms such as mouth numbness, loss of muscle control, and difficulty breathing in as little as 30 minutes.

Recreational harvesters are reminded to check the state’s shellfish closure map before they head out to dig.