Shellfish biotoxin alerts
Do not collect or eat shellfish from areas where shellfish biotoxin warnings have been issued. All warnings for New Zealand are in this section and up to date.
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
Previous changes
- 12 November: West Coast – Waipapakauri to Kaipara warning removed
- 6 November: West Coast – South Head to Tirua Point (south of Kawhia) warning removed
- 2 October: Hawke's 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
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.
Find out more
- Food safety for seafood gatherers booklet [PDF, 681 KB]
- Collecting shellfish in New Zealand [PDF, 1.4 MB]
- Toxic shellfish poisoning types and symptoms
- Toxic algal blooms
Who to contact
If you have questions about the information on this page, email info@mpi.govt.nz