A revised warning for a busy stretch of coast
Boaties, divers and beachgoers along the Bay of Plenty coast are being told to avoid eating locally gathered shellfish after recent tests showed paralytic shellfish toxins above the safety threshold. The updated advice covers the popular run from Mount Maunganui to Ford Road, just west of Maketu.
The warning was revised on 8 December and will stay in place until results show toxin levels have eased. Further updates will be issued as more samples are analysed.
Which shellfish are affected
All bivalve shellfish are included in the warning. Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops should not be collected or eaten from this area. The advice also applies to pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban.
Cooking does not remove the toxin. Even boiling or steaming will not make the shellfish safe.
Some species remain safe if handled with care. Pāua, crabs and crayfish may be eaten, but only once the gut has been fully removed before cooking. The toxin gathers in the gut and can taint the flesh if it is not taken out properly.
Finfish are unaffected by the toxin, but fishers should gut their catch and discard the liver before cooking.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning
Paralytic shellfish poisoning can develop quickly. Symptoms may appear within 10 minutes or take up to three hours, depending on how much toxin has been consumed.
Signs to watch for include tingling or numbness around the mouth, face, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases can lead to paralysis and breathing failure.
Anyone feeling unwell after eating shellfish from this coastline should seek medical help right away.
Staying safe on the water
This part of the Bay of Plenty is a favourite summer spot for cruising boats, family fishing trips and local divers. While the coastline remains open for normal use, gathering shellfish from the affected area is off limits until the warning is lifted.
Finfish are still fine to take, provided they are gutted as usual. Boaties planning holiday cruising or fishing should check for updates, as test results may shift the boundary or extend the warning.
