A bloom at the head of Port Levy has extremely high numbers of paralytic shellfish toxin producing algae.
The warning extends from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay. As the weather changes, this bloom could spread wider.
Ongoing testing will continue, and we'll let you know about any changes.
Media release: Shellfish biotoxin warning for Canterbury
Affected area from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay
Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban.
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. Finfish are not affected by this warning.
Symptoms typically appear between 10 minutes and 3 hours after ingestion and may include:
