Thurston County, Washington

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 19

County facilities will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.
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Thurston County Washington

Shellfish Harvest Biotoxin Closure at Budd Inlet

December 4, 2025
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CONTACT:   Renae Miller, Public Information Supervisor, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, (360) 463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us; Dr. Jen Freiheit, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

Shellfish Harvest Biotoxin Closure at Budd Inlet
Marine biotoxin that causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) was detected at unsafe levels in shellfish in Budd Inlet. 

OLYMPIA – High levels of the biotoxin that produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) were detected in shellfish at unsafe levels, prompting closure of recreational shellfish harvesting for all species in Budd Inlet. Warning signs will be posted at public beaches at Burfoot County Park.

Biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring plankton, which can become concentrated in shellfish. Biotoxins do not harm shellfish but can cause illness or death in humans and other mammals that eat them. Cooking does not destroy the toxin and does not make the shellfish safe to eat. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  Learn more about shellfish safety at: Shellfish Protection District | Thurston County

Harvesters should always check the shellfish safety map found online at www.doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish  or by calling 1-800-562-5632 for a recorded hotline of biotoxin closures. More information is available on the website. 

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