Marine Biotoxin Alerts
Shellfish and seawater samples around New Zealand are tested each week to ensure they are not contaminated with Biotoxin from blooms of algae. Public warnings are issued when shellfish are not safe to eat. This page contains information relating to the non-commercial (recreational and traditional) taking of shellfish only.
Marine Biotoxin warnings currently in force
North Island
Hokianga Harbour
The Health Protection Unit of Northland District Health Board continues to advise people not to consume shellfish from the Hokianga Harbour. This public health warning warning has been issued due to the persistence of Microcystin Toxins above safe levels in shellfish.
Shellfish in the Hokianga Harbour were tested for Microcystins after a bloom of toxic Cyanobacteria occurred in Lake Omapere which drains into the Hokianga Harbour .
High levels of microcystins are frequently associated with the death of animals consuming contaminated water. Human deaths from consumption on microcystins have not been well reported but it is acutely toxic in animal studies and they are thought to cause liver damage in humans. Human fatalities have also occurred when water used for dialysis of patients with kidney failure has become contaminated.
For further information contact: Northland District Health Board (09) 430 4100
Bay of Plenty
19 April 2007
Toi Te Ora Public Health has issued a warning not to collect or eat shellfish from the Bay of Plenty Area from Maketu Estuary to Whakatane River Mouth inclusive, due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison being detected in shellfish. Routine monitoring has detected the toxin in conjunction with a bloom of the phytoplankton species Alexandrium catenella.
Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can occur within 12 hours of eating affected seafood and can include:
Numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities first.
Difficulty swallowing, or breathing.
Headache, dizziness, and double vision.
Consumption of shellfish containing very high levels of PSP toxin can be fatal.
Further information can be obtained from Toi Te Ora Public Health on (07) 577 3315.
South Island
Nil
Please note:
Warnings about unsafe areas are subject to change. The public should contact their local health protection officers at District Health Boards if they are in doubt about where they should take shellfish
Marine Biotoxin warnings currently in force
North Island
Hokianga Harbour
The Health Protection Unit of Northland District Health Board continues to advise people not to consume shellfish from the Hokianga Harbour. This public health warning warning has been issued due to the persistence of Microcystin Toxins above safe levels in shellfish.
Shellfish in the Hokianga Harbour were tested for Microcystins after a bloom of toxic Cyanobacteria occurred in Lake Omapere which drains into the Hokianga Harbour .
High levels of microcystins are frequently associated with the death of animals consuming contaminated water. Human deaths from consumption on microcystins have not been well reported but it is acutely toxic in animal studies and they are thought to cause liver damage in humans. Human fatalities have also occurred when water used for dialysis of patients with kidney failure has become contaminated.
For further information contact: Northland District Health Board (09) 430 4100
Bay of Plenty
19 April 2007
Toi Te Ora Public Health has issued a warning not to collect or eat shellfish from the Bay of Plenty Area from Maketu Estuary to Whakatane River Mouth inclusive, due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison being detected in shellfish. Routine monitoring has detected the toxin in conjunction with a bloom of the phytoplankton species Alexandrium catenella.
Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can occur within 12 hours of eating affected seafood and can include:
Numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities first.
Difficulty swallowing, or breathing.
Headache, dizziness, and double vision.
Consumption of shellfish containing very high levels of PSP toxin can be fatal.
Further information can be obtained from Toi Te Ora Public Health on (07) 577 3315.
South Island
Nil
Please note:
Warnings about unsafe areas are subject to change. The public should contact their local health protection officers at District Health Boards if they are in doubt about where they should take shellfish