Birch Bay Water Quality Closures

Shellfish Harvest Closure Area at Terrell Creek

In October 2008, the Washington State Department of Health created a commercial shellfish harvest closure area in Birch Bay for 670 yards in all directions from the mouth of Terrell Creek. There is also a recommended recreational shellfish harvest closure for this same area. This closure was created in response to elevated fecal coliform bacteria levels in routine sampling at the mouth of Terrell Creek. The Birch Bay Shellfish Protection District was created because of this closure. A primary objective of water quality improvement programs in the Terrell Creek watershed is for this closure to be lifted by the state once the Department of Health determines that the risk of shellfish contamination from Terrell Creek is low. Click on the map below to view at full size.

Biotoxin (Red Tide) Closures

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) monitors levels of biotoxin in shellfish and issues warnings when levels become unsafe. Always check the DOH website or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington State.