Shellfish biotoxin alerts

All warnings are up-to-date

We review the warnings on this page following sampling, and update it when we find toxic shellfish.

If you have questions, email info@mpi.govt.nz

Current warnings

No warnings are in place.

Dates of recent warnings issued and removed

20 January 2022: Grove Arm in Marlborough Sounds, and Banks Peninsula warnings removed
17 December 2021: Extended to entire Banks Peninsula warning issued
15 December 2021: Akaroa Harbour warning issued
24 November 2021: Marlborough Sounds warning issued
16 June 2021: Hawke Bay warning removed

Public warnings about toxic shellfish

We test shellfish and seawater for toxic algae every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand. If the shellfish are not safe to eat, we issue public health warnings and put up signs at affected beaches.

Subscribe to email updates about shellfish biotoxin warnings

If you get sick after eating shellfish

If someone gets sick after eating shellfish, make sure you:

phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or get medical help immediately
advise your nearest public health unit
keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

Find your nearest public health unit – Ministry of Health

Safety of commercially sold shellfish

The warnings on this page are only for recreational shellfish that people can collect themselves. The warnings do not apply to shellfish that you can buy from shops or supermarkets, or shellfish for export.

We have strict water and flesh monitoring programmes for commercial shellfish to ensure it's safe to eat. If commercial shellfish become toxic, the shellfish cannot be harvested or sold, and the growing areas are closed.