KEY POINTS:
Holidaymakers have been warned against eating shellfish from the Far North after routine monitoring has discovered an increased level of marine biotoxin.
The area in question encompasses the whole of the Bay of Islands, from Cape Wikiwiki north of Kerikeri on the east coast down as far as Cape Brett.
Northland District Health Board testing has returned a paralytic shellfish poisoning reading of 150 micrograms per 100 grams, well above the limit of 80. Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) affects the central nervous system, and its symptoms include weakness, clumsiness, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and paralysis.
Health board spokeswoman Elizabeth Watt says people should not be alarmed, as the regulatory levels are very low and give plenty of safety margin. However she says if people eat large quantities of shellfish, which at this time of the year they may do, they could experience symptoms.
The problem is believed to be caused by tide, weather and temperatures.
-NEWSTALK ZB
