Domoic Acid Detection In Monterey Bay Northern Anchovies Leads To Take Restrictions
The following is courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
State health agencies have recommended restricting the take of northern anchovy to bait use only for both the commercial (PDF)(external link) and recreational (PDF)(external link) fisheries in Monterey Bay after determining anchovies contain elevated levels of domoic acid.
Following this recommendation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has enacted a restriction for the commercial and recreational take of northern anchovy (PDF)(external link) for human consumption in the area south of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37? 11.000’ N. lat.) to a line due west from Point Lobos, Monterey County (36? 31.461’ N. lat.). Commercial take of northern anchovy for bait use is allowed, though any anchovy sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food. Recreational take is restricted to bait use only.
The current fishery restrictions only apply to northern anchovy, which have been found to have high levels of domoic acid in samples. This restriction does not apply to other finfish (including salmon, rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and others). It is always recommended to consume only the cleaned, skinned, fillets of fish when there are restrictions or advisories for other species. Cooking methods that avoid combining the eaten portion with other body parts are also recommended. More information on current health advisories is available on the?California Department of Public Health website(external link). For questions regarding sampling and testing programs, including current test results, contact the?California Department of Public Health.
CDFW will continue to coordinate with the state health agencies, the California Department of Public Health and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to test domoic acid levels in northern anchovy as well as other fish species to determine when the commercial and recreational fishery restrictions in Monterey Bay can safely be lifted. State and federal laws prohibit the commercial distribution of seafood products for human consumption above federal action levels.
Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled marine alga, under certain ocean conditions. Domoic acid can accumulate in fish without the organism itself becoming ill. At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.
Information will be updated on CDFW’s?fishery information and health advisories(external link)?website
To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, call CDFW’s?Domoic Acid Fishery Information Line?at (831) 649-2883.
For the latest consumption warnings, call the?California Department of Public Health’s Biotoxin Information Line?at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.
