This warning was issued on 23 September 2022 and remains current.
Do not eat wild shellfish from areas in and around Spring Bay and the Mercury Passage in South East Tasmania
Toxic algal blooms (also known as harmful algal blooms or HABs) are currently known to be present in and around the White Beach and Nubeena region located on the Tasman Peninsula in South East Tasmania). Elevated levels of algal toxins have been detected in shellfish from this region.
Recreationally harvested shellfish should not be eaten because the algal toxins are harmful to humans.
Seek medical help if you get sick after eating wild shellfish
Symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after eating shellfish. Cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy the toxins that cause shellfish poisoning. Shellfish poisoning symptoms include:
- tingling or numbness
- weakness
- blurred vision
- difficulty breathing
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
Wild shellfish include: oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, cockles and wedge shells.
Abalone, scallop roe and the intestines and livers (tomalley) of rock lobster can also be affected when toxic algal blooms are present.
Seafood in shops and restaurants is safe to eat because the Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program monitors the safety of commercially grown shellfish.