Toxic Algal Bloom Alert in Ōpōtiki & Eastern Bay of Plenty: What You Need to Know
December 2025 – Eastern Bay of Plenty, NZ – A toxic algal bloom is currently being monitored along the Eastern Bay of Plenty coastline, including waters near Ōpōtiki. This bloom has prompted public health warnings due to the detection of paralytic shellfish toxins in local shellfish, which can pose serious health risks if consumed.
Why This Matters Now
Algal blooms occur when certain types of algae multiply rapidly in marine water. Under these conditions, the algae produce biotoxins that can accumulate in animals like shellfish that filter water for food. The current warning follows routine testing that showed toxin levels in mussels from Te Kaha more than double the safe limit set by New Zealand Food Safety.
Environmental conditions such as warmer water temperatures and nutrient levels can encourage algae growth. While these phenomena can be natural, they can increase in frequency and intensity due to climate and seasonal factors.
Current Health Advisories
Affected Area: From Opape near Ōpōtiki to East Cape along the Bay of Plenty coastline. Recreational shellfish such as mussels, pipi, tuatua, oysters, cockles, scallops, pūpū and Cook’s turban are included.
Do NOT collect or consume shellfish from this area until further notice. Toxins from the algal bloom cannot be removed by cooking.
Finfish (like snapper or kahawai) are not affected by this warning, but it’s advised to gut and discard the liver before cooking as a precaution.
Symptoms to Watch For
If someone eats contaminated shellfish, symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning can begin 10 minutes to 3 hours after eating and may include:
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Tingling or numbness around the mouth, hands, or feet
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Dizziness or headache
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Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
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In severe cases, paralysis or respiratory failure may occur.
Safety Tips for the Community
✔ Avoid gathering and eating shellfish from beaches and estuaries between Opape and East Cape.
✔ Follow signage and public health advice at coastal areas.
✔ Check official updates on shellfish biotoxin alerts via the MPI shellfish safety page.
✔ If you feel ill after consuming seafood, contact your GP or Healthline.
More Information & Updates
Authorities, including New Zealand Food Safety and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), are monitoring the situation closely. Regular updates will be published as new information becomes available. For the latest health warnings and maps of affected areas, visit the MPI shellfish biotoxin alerts page.
Stay safe this summer: algal blooms can fluctuate over time, so it’s important to stay informed and avoid shellfish gathering until the warning is lifted. If you’re unsure whether shellfish harvesting is safe, check the official MPI and Bay of Plenty Region resources first.