Have a Plan
Shellfish Harvest Planner – Tips for staying safe and having a successful shellfishing trip include checking beach closures, getting your license, and knowing the seasons and limits.
Know Your Shellfish
Identifying Shellfish – Different types of shellfish absorb biotoxins ("red tide") at different rates, so you may see closures listed for specific species. For example:
- Mussels accumulate biotoxins more quickly than other types of shellfish.
- Varnish clams tend to have higher biotoxin levels.
- Butter clams and varnish clams can remain toxic long after other species return to safe levels.
Handle, Store, and Cook Your Shellfish Properly
Handling, Storing, and Cooking Shellfish – Harvest and cook shellfish properly to help prevent illnesses such as vibriosis and norovirus.