BELLINGHAM, WA. – (KGMI.com) It is now safe to gather shellfish on beaches in southern Whatcom County.

The Department of Health and Community Services says testing shows that levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin have subsided in the area.

They have lifted bans on recreational shellfish harvesting on beaches from Chuckanut Bay to the county line, including in Larrabee State Park.

A ban on taking butter and varnish clams from Portage Bay remains in place.

Biotoxin levels can change rapidly, and up-to-date information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health’s website.