Let’s Go Fishin’: Shellfish quarantine in effect

On June 1, California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent a press release in regards to elevated levels of domoic acid in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
The unusually high levels of the acid can kill small baitfish and most shellfish. CDFW advises people not to consume shellfish, crab innards, sardines, and anchovies because acid levels may be elevated in their intestinal tracts.
 Domoic Acid is from one-celled plants called diatoms, they produce domoic acid, which is naturally occurring. Bivalve shellfish and some finfish filter these diatoms from the water. In most cases, domoic acid accumulates in the viscera of these animals.
In razor clams, domoic acid also accumulates in the meat. Unsafe levels of domoic acid have been found in mussels, oysters, razor clams, and the viscera (but not in the muscle tissue) of sardines, anchovies, crab and lobster. Many other species have yet to be investigated.
Domoic acid poisoning symptoms can occur 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and confusion. Difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, and death can occur in severe cases.
Survivors of severe cases have suffered permanent loss of short-term memory, a condition known as amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP).
Larger forage fish — game fish — like rockfish, salmon, and halibut do not appear to retain the acids in their muscle tissues. At this time, sport and commercial fishing for these fish remains active.
In fact, the bay is teeming with life despite high levels of domoic acid in some areas. Large schools of mackerel have invaded the bay, most likely drawn here with warmer water and massive schools of anchovies. Humpback whales are also spread throughout the bay, feeding on these small fish. Also, migrating pods of Killer Whales have been sighted on recent trips.
Rockfish and Ling cod remained steady as the water reached 60 degrees in some areas. Salmon fishing has been tough; with a few fish per boat one day and zero yield the next. Halibut will be moving inshore any day, as conditions begin to prime. Striped bass continue to roam the beaches from Aptos to Monterey.
It is advised to avoid: shellfish, sardines, anchovies, small bait fish, and crab innards. Otherwise, enjoy the Bay and its bounty.
For more information about domoic acid and domoic acid poisoning, visit: www.cdph.ca.gov/