Following ongoing shellfish toxin monitoring the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) warning has been extended eastwards along the Bay of Plenty coastline.
The affected area now includes the entire coastline from Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula, south to Waihi Beach, east along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Whakatane, Ohope and
Opotiki and further along to, and including, Whangaparaoa near Cape Runaway in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It also includes all harbours, estuaries and islands along this coastline.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet said Ongoing monitoring had shown high levels of paralytic shellfish poison present in shellfish along this coastline.
"Shellfish in the affected area should not be taken or eaten."
The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well as cat's eyes, snails and kina (sea urchin). PSP is caused by natural toxins that are produced by algal blooms and accumulate in shellfish that feed on the algae.
