Friday, October 2, 2026
Recreational shellfish harvesting for all species is off limits in Budd Inlet.
The ban comes after high levels of a biotoxin that produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning were found in shellfish.
The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department issued the ban on Dec. 4.
Warning signs have been posted at public beaches at Burfoot County Park.
"Biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring plankton, which can become concentrated in shellfish. Biotoxins do not harm shellfish but can cause illness or death in humans and other mammals that eat them," said the department in announcing the ban.
"Cooking does not destroy the toxin and does not make the shellfish safe to eat. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea."
To learn more about shellfish safety, click here.
Harvesters are encouraged to check the shellfish safety map or by calling 1-800-562-5632 for a recorded hotline of biotoxin closures.
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Snevets
Thank you for sharing.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Report this
DudeInOlympia
there are people that get full 5 gallon buckets of razor clams out of West Bay Park for years now, I see them at least once a year and sometimes 3-4 times literally harvesting with the warning sign that is posted essentially right next to them
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Report this