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Health Department issues warning for fish, crabs, shellfish from Mindarie Marina

Staff WriterNorth Coast Times

THE Health Department is advising people not to eat fish, crabs or shellfish collected from Mindarie Marina after recent testing confirmed potentially toxic microscopic algae at highly elevated levels.

Acting WA Health environmental health executive director Richard Theobald said the detected microscopic algae ‘Alexandrium spp.’ could produce paralytic shellfish poisoning.

“These algae, which are not visible to the naked eye, can produce a very potent neurotoxin which could be absorbed by filter feeding shellfish and potentially consumed by crabs and fish to a lesser extent,” he said.

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“Normal cooking processes will not destroy these toxins.

“In the worst case scenario, poisoning may cause muscular paralysis in people who consume affected shellfish, crabs or fish from the marina.”

Mr Theobald said people who ate wild shellfish, crabs or fish collected from Mindarie Marina might also experience symptoms including tingling or numbness of the lips, prickliness of the fingertips and toes, nausea or vomiting, impaired balance, dizziness, slurred speech, double vision, weakness, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, loss of fluids and diarrhoea.

“Anyone who has consumed shellfish, crabs or fish collected from the marina and experiences any of these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention, particularly if they feel any respiratory distress,” he said.

“Do not discard uneaten portions of mussels or other shellfish.”

Shellfish includes oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, cockles and razor clams.

The department generally advises people to avoid eating wild shellfish collected recreationally, particularly if collected from waterways where there is an increased likelihood of contaminant or nutrient inputs that can lead to increased microscopic algae growth.

Mr Theobald said farmed shellfish bought in supermarkets and other commercial outlets in WA were not affected as there was a quality-assurance program to ensure they were safe for human consumption.

“Other recreational activities including swimming and boating are not affected by this species of microscopic algae,” he said.

Report algal blooms to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulations by calling 6250 8064 or to the local government authority for assessment.

Mindarie Marina and the City of Wanneroo will continue to monitor algae levels and provide advice to the department.

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