South Africa Warns Against West Coast Shellfish After Mass Die-Off Linked to Colorless ‘Red Tide’

Overview

• DFFE confirms large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish washing ashore at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai over the past two days.
• The public is instructed not to eat any shellfish from the affected West Coast areas, whether washed up, collected from shore, or harvested subtidally.
• Authorities say the likely cause is a harmful algal bloom that is not visible to the naked eye and can load shellfish with paralytic neurotoxins.
• Senior scientist Steve Lamberth warns that eating affected shellfish can cause rapid paralysis and lead to hospitalization.
• DFFE says it is continuing to monitor the extent of the bloom and urges people not to handle or collect the dead marine animals.