Public warnings about toxic shellfish
Shellfish and seawater samples are taken every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand and are tested for the presence of toxic algae. If the shellfish are not safe to eat, then public health warnings are issued and signs are posted at affected beaches.
The information on this page relates only to the non-commercial (recreational and traditional) taking of shellfish. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.
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North Island warnings
Two warnings are in place for the North Island:
- Bay of Plenty
Hawke's Bay
Bay of Plenty
| Reason for alert | Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) |
| Date warning issued | 19 February 2016 |
| Affected area | From the mouth of the Otahu River at the southern end of Whangamata Beach, southwards all the way down to the Whakatane Heads. The area includes Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands, and all other islands along this coastline. |
| Shellfish affected | Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. Note, cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin. Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. |
| Other information | PSP toxins have been detected in shellfish at levels of up to 2.3mg/kg which is over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. |
Map: The affected area in the Bay of Plenty
Map showing the area covered by the shellfish biotoxin alert from the mouth of the Otahu River to the Whakatane Heads. South Island warnings
No warnings are in place for the South Island.
If you get sick after eating shellfish
If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued:
- phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately
- advise your nearest public health unit
- keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
Find your nearest public health unit
Find out more
- Food Safety for Seafood Gatherers booklet
- Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning
- Toxic algal blooms
- Collecting Shellfish and Keeping Them Safe
Hawke's Bay
| Reason for alert | The Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) warning for the Hawke’s Bay region has been extended. |
| Date warning issued | 14 April 2016. Affected area extended on 21 April 2016. |
| Affected area | All coastline from the Mohaka River mouth down to the southern end of Waimarama Beach. |
| Shellfish affected | Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. Note, cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin. Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. |
| Other information | PSP toxins have been detected in shellfish at levels of up to 1.4mg/kg which is over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. |
Map: The affected area in Hawke's Bay
Map showing the area covered by the shellfish biotoxin alert between the Mohaka River mouth and Cape Kidnappers.
Bay of Plenty
| Reason for alert | Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) |
| Date warning issued | 19 February 2016 |
| Affected area | From the mouth of the Otahu River at the southern end of Whangamata Beach, southwards all the way down to the Whakatane Heads. The area includes Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands, and all other islands along this coastline. |
| Shellfish affected | Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. Note, cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin. Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. |
| Other information | PSP toxins have been detected in shellfish at levels of up to 2.3mg/kg which is over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. |
Map: The affected area in the Bay of Plenty
Map showing the area covered by the shellfish biotoxin alert from the mouth of the Otahu River to the Whakatane Heads. South Island warnings
No warnings are in place for the South Island.
If you get sick after eating shellfish
If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued:
phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediatelyadvise your nearest public health unitkeep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
Find your nearest public health unit