Today the public has been given the all clear to harvest shellfish in the in Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel.
Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Jill Sherwood said that two consecutive tests shellfish taken in Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel have shown the levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin in shellfish have returned to a safe level.
Dr Sherwood said, Although the algae bloom responsible for the toxin disappeared in late May it has taken several weeks for the toxin to be flushed from the shellfish.
This particular bloom was sufficient to contaminate shellfish in the Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel area, giving rise to a closure on March 25, 2011.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) a marine biotoxin can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision. Symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of consuming shellfish. In severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure can occur. It is produced by particular types of phytoplankton found commonly around New Zealand.
Monitoring for marine biotoxins continues on a regular basis in all shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand.
Signs put up to inform people of the closure will be removed in the next day or so.
Dr Sherwood reminded people to only take shellfish from clean water and never take shellfish after rain or when the water is dirty.
Also remember to refrigerate your shellfish as soon as possible, she said.