BIRCH BAY, WA. – Beaches in northern Whatcom County have re-opened for recreational shellfish harvesting.

The Washington State Department of Health lifted the closure from Sandy Point north to the Canadian border on Thursday, October 5th.

Shellfish harvesting south of Sandy Point to the Skagit County border remains closed to butter and varnish clams only.

That includes Portage Bay, Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut Bay, Larrabee State Park and the southeastern shores of Lummi Island.

The department warns recreational harvesters to check on harvest bans often, as biotoxin levels can change rapidly.