PORT TOWNSEND — Hood Canal beaches from the Hood Canal Bridge to Brown’s Point on the Toandos Peninsula have been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting.

The state Department of Health closed the area after shellfish samples from Squamish Harbor were found to contain elevated levels of marine biotoxins that cause potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), it was announced Wednesday.

Discovery Bay-area beaches remain closed because of the threat of PSP, which can cause difficulty breathing and possibly death.

A vibrio bacteria warning remains in effect in Dabob Bay, meaning that shellfish harvested from that bay should be cooked before eating.

Closures to all species at Quilcene Bay and the area south of Dabob Bay to the Mason County line remain in effect because of biotoxin levels.

Port Ludlow and Mats Mats Bay beaches remain closed to all species. Kilisut Harbor, including Mystery Bay, remains closed to butter and varnish clam harvesting.

In Clallam County, all beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain open to all shellfish harvesting, with the exception of Sequim Bay, which is closed to the harvest of all species.

All Pacific coast beaches are closed for the season.

Recreational shellfish harvesters should check the Department of Health shellfish safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or phone 800-562-5632 before harvesting.