Toxic Sea Slug Alert After Three Found On Kohimarama Beach

Visitors to Kohimarama Beach are warned to be on the lookout for sea slugs after three specimens were discovered on the beach yesterday. They have been confirmed as the species Pleurobranchaca maculate, which is known to contain the poison tetrodotoxin.

Auckland City Council has erected warning signs and will monitor the beach for further sightings. This is the first time toxic sea slugs have been found on any Auckland city beach.

The slugs were discovered yesterday evening (Monday) by a woman exercising her dogs. Last year the council received reports of dogs becoming ill after eating or playing with something on the same beach. What exactly it was that caused the dogs' illness was never established, but it happened at the same time other dogs became ill after eating slugs at Narrowneck Beach. The poison is very toxic to dogs and potentially toxic to humans.

Further sightings should be reported immediately to the council on 379 2020 and beach visitors are asked to closely supervise their children and pets. If you find one, mark the spot and leave it well alone. An environmental health officer will remove it safely.

ENDS

© Scoop Media