Shellfish
Shellfish and seawater samples in the Bay of Plenty District are tested every week to ensure they are not contaminated with biotoxins (paralytic shellfish poison, PSP).
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service is responsible for issuing health warnings when shellfish is not safe to eat. Health warnings normally affect all bi-valve shellfish such as mussels, toheroa, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, catseyes, pupu and kina (sea urchin).
What to look for
If you notice the water is murky, or has a musty smell, collect shellfish somewhere else.
Collect shellfish only from areas where the seawater is clean and not contaminated.
Proper handling, storage and cooking can also help lower the risk of illness. Remember the gut of paua, crayfish and crabs should always be removed before cooking.
Sign up here to receive health warnings from Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service.
Health risks
You could get sick and may develop shellfish poisoning. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness and tingling around the mouth or face
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Dizziness
- Double vision, and in severe cases
- Paralysis and respiratory failure
- Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur if shellfish is contaminated with bacteria and viruses.
These symptoms occur within 12 hours and anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor.
Useful resources
- FAQ Toxic Shellfish
- FAQ on shellfish gathering and consumption - what you need to know
- Marine biotoxin alerts
- Main types of toxic shellfish poisoning
Bacterial contamination
The following areas are monitored by Environment Bay of Plenty for bacterial contamination:
- Little Waihi - Beach by campground, boat ramp
- Maketu - Marae end of Park Road
- Ohiwa Harbour - Uretara Channel, Eastern Ohiwa
- Tauranga Harbour - Pilot Bay, Tanners Point, Pio’s Beach, YellowPoint, Hunter Creek
- Tauranga - Tilby Point
- Waihi Beach - Estuary
For information on monitored areas in the Coromandel and Waikato, contact Environment Waikato. Pollution response, enquiries and after hours service Environment Waikato's freephone 0800 800 401
