Saldanha bay: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a warning for the public to refrain from collecting or consuming wild shellfish from Saldanha Bay and surrounding coastal regions until further notice.

According to South African Government News Agency, a recent monitoring report has revealed that mussels and oysters from local farms in Saldanha Bay contain significantly high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST), exceeding the legal safety limit by more than 15 times. Additionally, officials have identified elevated levels of the toxin-producing phytoplankton Alexandrium catenella, indicating a substantial harmful algal bloom in the area.

Due to these findings, shellfish harvesting areas in Saldanha Bay have been closed for products intended for human consumption. The extent of the risk along the West Coast remains uncertain, and toxin levels may vary between different locations.

Consuming contaminated shellfish, such as mussels, poses a risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning, a severe and potentially life-threatening illness. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.