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

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"I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty, which will protect the beauty of our natural environment, which will preserve the great old American houses and squares and parks of our national past and which will build handsome and balanced cities for our future."

- John F Kennedy, 35th US President

Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District

The Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District was formed by the Whatcom County Council in 1998 after the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) prohibited harvesting of shellfish in portions of Portage Bay due to deteriorating water quality.

Shellfish growing areas in the United States are classified based on national water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria. Learn more about classification types and shellfish growing area classification.

In October 2003, the Washington Department of Health approved the reopening of 625 acres in Portage Bay to shellfish harvesting. In May 2006, the remaining "Restricted" area was upgraded to "Approved" for tribal harvesting.  However, bacteria levels in many of the tributaries feeding into the Nooksack River continue to exceed water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria.

Status of Fecal Coliform Levels in Portage Bay (May 2010)

Green dot indicates bacteria levels well within the standards (<20 FC/100mL), yellow dot indicates sites of concern (20-30 FC/100mL).

Last updated 6/16/10