Shellfish harvesting closed in South King County due to toxic algae

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed recreational shellfish harvesting from Alki Beach to Dash Point State Park, including Burien, due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP). This closure extends to all beaches on the eastern shores of Vashon-Maury Island, including Quartermaster Harbor, and follows a previous restriction announced on July 23, 2025. Advisory signs will be posted at these beaches to inform the public about the risks associated with shellfish collection. The DOH emphasizes the importance of checking its shellfish safety website before harvesting. Although crab meat does not typically contain the PSP toxin, it is advised to discard the guts to ensure safety.

The neurotoxin can cause severe illness, with symptoms appearing 30-60 minutes after consumption. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Monitoring of commercial shellfish harvesting sites continues separately, and harvesters should check the advisory status through the DOH’s Commercial Shellfish Map Viewer.