Government intensifies
red tide communications
16/03/2005: The Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism together with the Provincial
Department of Health in the Western Province,
the City of Cape Town, and a host of coastal
local governments have intensified efforts
to inform coastal communities, recreational
fishers and the public about the effects of
the toxic red tide. The department reiterates
in the strongest way possible that persons
must not collect and consume any shellfish
along the Cape West Coast.
Reports from samples by the department's scientists
indicate consistent high levels of toxicity,
confirming that the consumption of shellfish
remains a serious health and safety risk.
The Department wishes to assure members of
the public that shellfish, including mussels
and lobster, supplied by restaurants and traders
is quality assured by the South African Bureau
of Standards (SABS). Shellfish purchased at
reputable restaurants and food outlets are
therefore safe for consumption.
The department would like to take this opportunity
to encourage restaurants and hoteliers to
apply to the department for certification
of their fish as being legal and suitable
for human consumption. Further details may
be obtained at www.deat.gov.za
The department has also deployed its Coastcare
teams along the affected coast to inform communities
and the public about the red tide, in addition
to the already deployed fisheries control
officers. Local authorities are also using
their enforcement officers and personnel along
the coast to assist in this information dissemination
campaign.
Red Tides are natural phenomena and usually
occur as a result of abnormally high production
of plankton following periods of coastal up-welling.
Shellfish such as mussels, clams, bait and
oysters are particularly vulnerable to red
tides because they filter-feed.
Typical PSP symptoms include tingling and
numbness of the mouth, lips and fingers, difficulty
in breathing, accompanied by general muscular
weakness and lack of coordination. In severe
cases it can cause paralysis. Symptoms of
DSP are vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Anyone
suspecting that they may have been poisoned
should consult a doctor immediately.
For further information on the symptoms of
PSP and DSP the Tygerberg Poison Information
Centre can be contacted at 021 931 6129.
The department's scientists and inspectors
are continuing to monitor the situation very
closely and take daily samples of water and
mussels to determine the toxicity levels.
Shellfish affected will remain toxic for days
or weeks and must not be consumed. The department
is unable to predict the longevity of this
natural phenomenon but can state that should
the current hot, calm weather continue, the
toxic red tide will continue.
The department's Red Tide Information line,
021 434 4457, remains in place. Members of
the public could call this number to get the
latest updated status of the red tide. In
addition, members of the public may contact
the department on 0861 123626 .
A 24-hour information line for the Overberg
is available on 028 3132703.
