2 Key Peninsula Bays May See Shellfish Harvesting Restrictions

GIG HARBOR, WA — Two bays on Key Peninsula may see shellfish harvesting restricted come fall.

The Washington State Department of Heath says both Filucy Bay and Vaughn Bay are teetering on the edge of being closed for shellfish harvesting, and will be restricted this August if their bacteria pollution grows. For the time being, they meet water quality standards, but only just.

The same is true for a number of bays in surrounding counties, like Henderson Inlet in Thurston and the Pacific Coast in Grays Harbor County.

Other places have failed the department's evaluation outright and will see their shellfish harvesting restricted. Areas that failed include Port Susan in Snohomish County, and Drayton Harbor in Whatcom.

The DOH says it's hopeful it will not need to add any further harvesting restrictions, and are working with shellfish growers, county partners and tribal governments to improve water quality in threatened areas like Filucy and Vaughn bays. Concerned community members can do their part as well, by maintaining septic systems, picking up after their pets, and using pump out stations for their boats.

Not only does the DOH monitor 112 commercial harvest areas across Washington, it also provides up-to-date health and safety guidelines for recreational harvesters on its Shellfish Safety Map.

>> Learn more about Washington state's Shellfishing regulations.