Avoid consuming Dungeness and Rock crabs in the meantime, warn California health officials after dangerous neurotoxin levels are recently detected and linked to a major algae bloom off the West Coast.
The health department reported finding high domoic acid levels in crabs from the Oregon border up to Santa Barbara. The toxin is produced by harmful algae blooms off the West Coast, a phenomenon attributed to warming ocean temperatures.
While cyclical, the algae bloom observed this summer aboard a research vessel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was among the largest ever witnessed on the West Coast.
The timing of the Dungeness crabs' contamination couldn't be more impeccable: recreational and commercial fishing are starting soon. Rock crabs, on the other hand, are caught any time of the year.
"[I]t is unknown when the levels found in crab will subside," a health department statement read, stating the conditions supporting algae growth are impossible to be predicted. "The health advisory will be lifted once the levels are no longer above acceptable levels."
The said toxin - which can cause seizures, comatose, or even death - has affected not just crabs but also shellfish, seals, dolphins, seabirds, and whales in the entire region.
The advisory issued Tuesday covered all recreationally caught crabs along the southern Oregon coast, spanning from south of Coos Bay to California. Prior to eating the crab, one is advised to remove the guts or viscera.
Domoic acid levels also affected razor clamming along the entire coast of Oregon last month, postponing the fall start of clam digging season.
Crabbing in California is estimated to provide at least $60 million annually, involving about 600 boats from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska hoping to earn half their yearly income during that time alone. Tasty crustacean dishes, too, are highly anticipated by diners in Bay Area restaurants.
Capt. Mike Dvorak of the High Seas vessel called the contamination "devastating" for the crabbers depending on this critical time of the year. His vessel, for instance, is huge enough to accommodate 20,000 pounds of seafood in a single go.
The summer's warming coastal water, on average at more than 60 degrees instead of the usual 54 degrees, is pinpointed as the reason behind the toxic bloom.
Photo: Naotake Murayama | Flickr
