SANDY POINT, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Health has updated their biotoxin warnings for shellfish harvesters in Whatcom County.

Levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, has lowered for some species in northern Whatcom County.

Beaches from Sandy Point north to the border, including Point Roberts, are now closed only for recreational butter and varnish clam harvesting.

All other beaches south of Sandy Point still remain closed for shellfish harvesting due to high levels of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, or DSP.

As the name suggests, shellfish with high levels of DSP biotoxins can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services still warns recreational harvesters to check on harvest bans often, as biotoxin levels can change rapidly.