The closure of the public beaches at Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay has been lifted after tests showed declining levels of the toxin that causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning.

The Washington State Department of Health announced the reopening of the beaches Thursday, but officials noted that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recreational harvest seasons remain closed at the Quilcene Boat Ramp and Point Whitney Tidelands.

Officials also said all Hood Canal waters — including Quilcene and Dabob bays — have an active Vibrio bacteria warning.

All recreationally harvested shellfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds to prevent illness.