Shellfish harvest restricted in select areas in Washington due to high bacteria levels
After the annual water quality evaluation of the state’s commercial shellfish growing areas, a few areas are under watch.
Three of Washington’s 115 shellfish growing areas will be restricted due to high bacteria levels. 14 areas currently meet water quality standards but are threatened with classification downgrades.
Portions of the Annas Bay, Hood Canal 5 - Lilliwaup area, and Hood Canal 6 - Tahuya area in Mason County do not meet the stringent public health water quality standards and shellfish harvesting will be restricted. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says restrictions will be in place by August 2023.
“Our state’s collaborative approach toward water quality improvement has led to the successful reopening of many shellfish harvesting areas,” said Scott Berbells, Shellfish Growing Area Section manager. “Clean water is the result of everyone doing their part.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/shellfish-harvest-restricted-in-select-areas-in-washington-due-to-high-bacteria-levels/ar-AA1ad6WD