Shellfish logo used by permission, courtesy of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA).

Website hosted by:

Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District

Drayton Harbor Boat Tours April-July 2006
Drayton Harbor Open House June 10, 2006
Drayton Harbor Fact Sheet

The Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District was formed by the Whatcom County Council in 1995 after the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) prohibited harvesting of shellfish (oysters, clams, and mussels) in portions of Drayton Harbor due to deteriorating water quality. In 1999, the entire harbor was downgraded to a prohibited status for shellfish harvesting.

Conditional Reopening in June 2004

There are six sites within Drayton Harbor that are used for monitoring bacteria in the water and for classifying the shellfish beds. In spring 2002, only two of six monitoring sites were under the national limit for fecal coliform bacteria. By spring 2003, four of the six sites met the national standard.

In spring 2004, it was determined that five of the six sites meet the standard under dry weather conditions, and the state Department of Health conditionally reopened the main commercial and recreational shellfish beds to harvesting. For more information about why the beds were reclassified, please read the May 2004 Sanitary Survey.

However, there are still restrictions depending on rainfall. If more than a 0.75 inches of rain falls in a 24-hour period, the beds will be closed immediately for six days.

Status of Drayton Harbor shellfish beds.