West Coast shellfish die-off raises health concerns from paralytic toxins
St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai shellfish die-off linked to harmful algal bloom.
Image: Supplied
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed that large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish have washed up at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai over the past 48 hours.
The department said the deaths are likely linked to a harmful algal bloom (HAB), also known as a “Red Tide,” which paralyses shellfish and prevents them from burrowing.
“The dead shellfish indicate that they have died after being paralysed, unable to burrow and then washed up. This is most likely due to the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) or ‘Red Tide.’”
DFFE emphasised that this particular red tide is colourless and therefore invisible to the human eye, but the paralytic shellfish poisoning neurotoxins it produces are highly toxic.
The department warned that all shellfish, whether washed ashore or collected from subtidal zones, are unsafe for consumption.
“All shellfish, irrespective of being washed out or collected from shore or subtidal, should not be eaten.”
Officials confirmed that monitoring efforts are ongoing to determine the extent of the red tide and associated mass mortalities along the West Coast.
“The DFFE will continue to monitor the situation with respect to the extent of the ‘red tide’ and resultant mass mortalities on the West Coast.”
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