CDPH Issues Warning about Dungeness and Rock Crabs Caught in Waters Along the Central and Northern California Coast
Date: 11/3/2015
Number: 15-082
Contact: Anita Gore, Orville Thomas - (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today advised consumers not to eat Dungeness and Rock crabs caught in waters between the Oregon border and the southern Santa Barbara County line, due to the detection of dangerous levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin.
Recent test results have shown persistently high levels of domoic acid in Dungeness crab and Rock crab, which have been caught along the California coastline. The levels have exceeded the State’s action level for the crabs’ body meat as well as the viscera, commonly referred to as crab butter, and therefore pose a significant risk to the public if they are consumed.
CDPH in conjunction with other state agencies will continue its sampling efforts to monitor domoic acid levels in Dungeness and Rock crabs until the levels subside and no longer exceed the State’s action level of 30 ppm in the viscera and 20 ppm in the meat. Domoic acid accumulation in seafood is a natural occurrence that is related to a “bloom” of a particular single-celled plant called Pseudo-nitzschia. The conditions that support the growth of this plant are impossible to predict, and it is unknown when the levels found in crab will subside. The health advisory will be lifted once the levels are no longer above acceptable levels.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory (a condition known as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. There have been no reported illnesses associated with this event.
To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and quarantines, call CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information visit CDPH’s Natural Marine Toxins: PSP and Domoic Acid Web page.
That means all crabs, folks. So, I guess that means that means that for now, no "Deadliest Catch". Maybe some "Wicked Tuna"? All I've got are dreams.....
That means all crabs, folks. So, I guess that means that means that for now, no "Deadliest Catch". Maybe some "Wicked Tuna"? All I've got are dreams.....
Any info on Red Crabs?
ReplyDeleteReds are out, too. The highest result they got was from a yellow crab, which is lumped in with reds in the regulations. 190ppm and 30ppm is the danger level.
ReplyDeleteThis is worse than canceling Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWell I hate my job hate my life I think I'm gonna say screw it and go eat a pile of crab and forget everything! LOL. JK
ReplyDeleteBut it my be nice to forget the hogs we farmed.
You think this feels like crap wait till they cancel our salmon season too.
ReplyDeletequestion... based on what im reading they have issues an advisory not to eat the crab, but they have not closed the opening of the season... ?? nowhere on the press release does it say the season has been postponed... just wondering...
ReplyDeleteIt's legal, just a bad idea until the tests show otherwise.
DeleteHow much you wanna bet there will be folks out there pulling pots? I've seen some of the crabbers in Tomales and they don't care about warnings or quarrantines. Hell most of them don't care about maximum passenger capacity or weight limits on the boats they are in. I'm thinking we will have crab for Christmas but maybe not Thanksgiving. And I'm not buying salmon gear for next season either. So this is a quarrantine, as well as a closure of the season right?
ReplyDeleteOutlaw
ReplyDeleteDamn commies, first daylight savings time and now this.
Fish and Wildlife will meet on Thursday to decide the actual season. If you wish to eat a nerve agent you legally can. I strongly recommend waiting. My guess is 2 weeks to 2 months. I love crab but I can wait.
ReplyDeletealcohol can kill it.... my brain cells i mean... aka memory loss!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I remember which is little fish and wildlife has to give 10 days notice to change regs. Maybe this is diff. Circumstances guess it's wait and see.
ReplyDeletecrabbed dillions for the last 35 years straight....I guess all good things come to end
ReplyDeleteI do not understand the hesitation by Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, given the information / evidence presented. Seems like a no-brainer at this point. The longer they delay making the decision / announcement, the more harm done with respect to everyone who has a "stake" i.e. fishermen, businesses, campgrounds etc.
ReplyDeleteIf it closes for the whole year, does that mean bigger crab and lots more to go around next year?
ReplyDeleteThe commies won't be sucking up tons of crab, could be a good thing, you think?
The Dept. of Public Health can issue advisories, but cannot close the fishery. The season can only be closed by DFW. The DFW commission is not hesitating. The law mandates a minimum public notice period, even for special meetings.
ReplyDeleteC'mon people really. The health dept. is going to error on the side of caution. It's no different than the CA delta. Affects Sensitive groups!
ReplyDeleteNew/used boat, 1 week off work, r.v. rental, camp site, food and supplys, excitement and relaxation $15k. No crab well hell. Atleast were not all those guys that spent 6 figures to come down. Fish on is the new hope!
ReplyDeleteWow I bet my 14ft. Klamath out fishes all you googone sac a tomato boats. Guess the Westside ramp repairs will b delayed too?
ReplyDeleteIll see you at cordells,lol
ReplyDeleteNo u won't but chevron appreciates your donation
ReplyDelete