SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – All recreational shellfish harvesting is now closed in Samish Bay.

The state Department of Health (DOH) issued the closure after finding high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in recent samples.

The DOH also closed the recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams in West Fidalgo, Cypress, Sinclair and Guemes islands, except for the southern shoreline from Kelly’s Point east to Long Bay.

PSP can cause mild symptoms such as numbness and loss of control in the arms and legs and could lead to more severe issues including paralysis and suffocation.

It cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing.

PSP closures are currently impacting most coastal areas in Washington, including Whatcom County, where all recreational shellfish harvesting is closed.

As always, shellfish harvesters are advised to check the state’s shellfish safety map before digging.