Recent shellfish samples taken from Oak Bay indicate that the level of biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning has dropped below the closure limit for all species of clams, oysters and mussels.

Previously, the area was closed for harvesting butter and varnish clams, which retain toxins longer than other species. Jefferson County Public Health has removed warning signs from public access points at the Portage Canal, South Indian Island County Park and Isthmus Beach.

Please note however, that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recreational shellfish season is closed at Oak Bay County Park, and that Portage Canal and South Indian Island WDFW seasons close at the end of June. The Isthmus Beach season is year-round, and West Oak Bay beach is open all year, but is only accessible by boat.

To find out which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington, and for a link to the WDFW harvesting seasons and rules, please check the map or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.