Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) has been detected at levels of concern in butter clam samples collected from beaches in south King County and Quartermaster Harbor.

As a result, the state Department of Health has closed beaches in Burien, in Pierce County and on Vashon to the recreational harvest of butter clams.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is posting advisory signs at south King County beaches and Quartermaster warning people to not collect butter clams. Other species of mollusks, crabs and shrimp are not included in the closure.

PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing a potent, naturally occuring neurotoxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.