Following test on the phytoplankton samples taken from the red tide bloom on the West Coast, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) can confirm that the highly toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium catenella, forms a significant component of the bloom.
This dinoflagellate is responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning and the public is therefore warned against the collection of mussels, oysters, clams, bait and any other filter feeding shellfish north of Cape Columbine. The consumption of filter feeding organisms from this area is also not advised. Rock Lobster is however not affected.
Symptoms of poisoning include tingling and numbness of the mouth, lips and fingers, difficulty in breathing, accompanied by general muscular weakness and lack of coordination. In severe cases it can cause paralysis. Anyone suspecting that they may have been poisoned should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The duration of this toxic red tide, currently 2NM off the coast and 50km long, cannot be determined and shellfish affected will remain toxic for days and weeks. We would like to reiterate that no mortalities of marine life have been recorded and that there is no immediate risk of a wash out.
Departmental scientists will continue to monitor the situation closely.
For more information:
Lionel Adendorf
Cell: 076 267 5839
Tel: 021 402 3702
