Tasmanians are being warned to avoid eating recreationally harvested shellfish from Boomer Bay following the detection of potentially dangerous toxic algal blooms in the area.
The Department of Health issued the alert, which applies to Boomer Bay, Little Boomer Bay and Boomer Bay East – located east of Dunalley in the state’s south-east.
Health officials have confirmed elevated levels of algal toxins in shellfish from the region, which can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans.
“Cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy the toxins that cause shellfish poisoning,” the warning reads.
The alert covers mussels, oysters, clams, pipis, cockles, wedge shells, abalone and scallop roe collected recreationally.
The intestines and livers of rock lobster can also be affected during toxic algal bloom events.
Symptoms of shellfish poisoning can develop rapidly, appearing within minutes to hours after consumption and can include tingling or numbness, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Health authorities advise anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming wild shellfish to seek medical attention by going to the nearest emergency department or calling 000.
The Department of Health has reassured the public that commercially available seafood remains safe to eat.
“Seafood in shops and restaurants is safe to eat because the Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program monitors the safety of commercially grown shellfish,” the department confirmed.
