Marine Biotoxin Alerts

Marine Biotoxin warnings currently in force
Background information

Last updated on 22 June 2009

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 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

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.

Background information

• Collecting shellfish and keeping it safe

• Marine Biotoxin Monitoring and Response Manual for Non-Commercial Shellfish

• Frequently asked questions about toxic shellfish events

• Frequently asked questions about gymnodinium catenatum and PSP toxins

• Norovirus

• Types of toxic shellfish poisoning

All information on this website is subject to a disclaimer.

Contact for enquiries

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
68-86 Jervois Quay
PO Box 2835
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 2500
Fax: +64 4 894 2501

Contact NZFSA about this page