Hawke’s Bay Coastline Toxic Shellfish closure over

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is able to advise that the closure for the consumption of shellfish of the Hawke’s Bay coastline between Mohaka in the north to Cape Kidnapper’s in the south can now being lifted.

This section of the Hawke’s Bay coastline has been closed for the collection of shellfish from late March this year due to the presence of the paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin in the shellfish at levels above the New Zealand Food Safety Authoritie’s safe health limit.

Recent results from shellfish and water samples have shown no detection of the PSP toxin or the toxic algae responsible gymnodinium catenatum. Levels can change rapidly though so the public is advised to keep a look out for warning signs, media releases, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s web site www.healthinhawkesbay.co.nz, or the toxic shellfish information line on (06) 878-1329.

Further on-going routine monitoring samples will continue to be collected from all areas, and the public will be advised should the ‘open’ status change. Warning signs are currently being taken down.

Please note that some other sections of the New Zealand coastline remain closed for the collection of shellfish for consumption due to toxic algae. This opening refers to the Hawke’s Bay coastline only. Information on other closed areas around the country can be found at www.nzfsa.govt.nz under ‘marine biotoxin alerts.

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