Toxic sea slug find prompts warnings to beachgoers

Eastern beaches will be scoured after a toxic sea slug was found at Kohimarama Beach. Photo / Brett Phibbs

People are being warned to supervise dogs and children on an eastern beach after toxic sea slugs were discovered there for the first time.

Warnings signs will be put up this afternoon on Kohimarama Beach after a slug containing tetrodotoxin was found by a woman walking her dog.

The poison is the same as that found in the vomit of two dogs that died last winter after visiting North Shore beaches.

Auckland City Council environmental health and licensing manager Chris Dee said beachgoers should not handle the side-gilled sea slug (Pleurobranchaea maculata), and warned people to take care with children and animals.

"The slugs have varying levels of toxicity, but handling them could result in illness. They should never be touched. Dogs should be on leashes and should not be allowed to eat anything on the sand."

He was concerned about the spread of toxic slugs, and said the surrounding beaches would be thoroughly combed.

Last winter the council suspected that dogs poisoned at Kohimarama had come into contact with sea slugs, but no slugs had been found on the beach until last night.

The toxic slugs were mottled grey or sand-coloured, usually 2cm to 2.5cm in length, and found near the low-tide mark. They could grow up to 10cm.

Anyone who found a slug was advised to mark the spot and contact the city council.

A survey in June found 94 sea slugs in subtidal water around seven beaches, five on the North Shore.

STAY SAFE

*Take care that children and animals don't touch or eat the toxic sea slugs.

*They are mottled grey or sand-coloured.

*Usually found near the low-tide mark

*If you find one, mark the spot and contact the council.