Don't Harvest Shellfish

Posted by Media Release: Waikato District Health Board on 10/10/2011

Waikato District Health Board’s medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell says people need to be vigilant if they are collecting shellfish off the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, because of the Rena grounding.

Dr Bell says people should not collect and consume seafood (including shellfish and fin fish) from waters with visible oil contamination and should also avoid any seafood that has off or petrol like odours.

Although there is no evidence yet of the oil spill reaching the eastern Coromandel Peninsula coastline, conditions are continually changing.

Collection and testing of shellfish is underway by Maritime New Zealand and further advice issued in due course.

This health advisory will remain in place until further notice. This advice complements the advice given by Toi Te Ora Public Health Service, Bay of Plenty and the rahui issued by the Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust.