News

Shellfish harvesting biotoxin restrictions lifted in southern Whatcom County

Shellfish harvesting biotoxin restrictions lifted in southern Whatcom County

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Levels of hazardous biotoxins have finally receded in some of Whatcom County’s waters.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that paralytic shellfish poisoning levels (PSP) have dropped below toxic levels.

Beaches from Sandy Point down to the Skagit County line are now open for all shellfish harvesting except butter and varnish clams. Restrictions north of Sandy Point were lifted last month following the initial full county closure in June.

Harvesters are reminded to check on harvest conditions before they start digging, even if restrictions have been removed.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Bears say they are moving forward with Northwest Indiana location for new stadium

The Chicago Bears are looking to build a stadium in Northwest Indiana after a proposal to provide financial incentives for the NFL team to build its new home in Illinois stalled in the state legislature.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Choose ‘Trainspotting’: Ewan McGregor and Danny Boyle reflect on the life-changing film

Ewan McGregor, for a fleeting moment after "Trainspotting" came out, felt like a rock star. The kinetic film about four heroin addicts in late-1980s Scotland was and, 30 years later, remains defining — in his career, in the culture and in his understanding of what true artistic satisfaction can feel like.

1 day ago in Entertainment

What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway’s biggest night

Twenty-four shows on Broadway received Tony Award nominations this season, but not all will walk away with a trophy and the box office attention they usually bring.

1 day ago in Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local

Whatcom County tourism spending drops slightly

Roughly the same amount of people visited our region in 2024 and 2025.

1 day ago in Entertainment, Government, Local, Professional, Sports

Millions in funds coming to beef up security measures in Bellingham

The money will pay for Bellingham Police staff overtime and equipment to cover FIFA World Cup-related events in the city.