Health authorities are maintaining warnings against eating wild shellfish from five locations across Tasmania as toxic algal blooms continue to pose risks to recreational fishers.
The ongoing alerts ban consumption of recreationally harvested mussels, oysters, clams, pipis, cockles, wedge shells, abalone and scallop roe from waters spanning Bruny Island to the state’s east coast.
The affected areas include Pipe Clay Lagoon in south-east Tasmania, Adventure Bay and Little Taylors Bay on Bruny Island, Mercury Passage in eastern Tasmania and the Boomer Bay region.
These warnings, issued between May 8 and early June, remain current as authorities continue monitoring elevated levels of harmful biotoxins in shellfish samples.
The Boomer Bay alert covers Boomer Bay, Little Boomer Bay and Boomer Bay East extending to the east of Dunalley.
Mercury Passage restrictions, implemented on May 16, apply to waters north of Lachlan Island, south of the line between Lords Bluff and Île du Nord and east of Spring Beach.
Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island and Little Taylors Bay on the west coast near Lunawanna were added on May 27, with Pipe Clay Lagoon included on June 3.
Health authorities stress that the toxins responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning cannot be destroyed through cooking or freezing.
The biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring algae during harmful algal blooms, which appear normal to the naked eye but can cause serious illness in humans.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning can develop within minutes to hours after consumption and include tingling and numbness around the mouth, face, hands and feet, along with muscle weakness and blurred vision.
The Department of Health says commercially grown shellfish sold in shops and restaurants remain safe to eat.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating wild shellfish should seek immediate medical attention by calling 000.
