WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – All recreational shellfish harvesting has been closed in Whatcom County.

Elevated levels of paralytics shellfish poisoning (PSP) initially shut down harvest areas from Drayton Harbor up to the Canadian border on May 23.

The Washington Department of Health says that the unsafe PSP levels have also been detected in Bellingham Bay, forcing them to close shellfish harvesting throughout the entire county.

PSP can’t be destroyed through cooking or freezing and can cause severe illness or death if consumed.

Harvesters are reminded to “know before they dig” and check the Washington Department of Health’s website for the latest information on closures.