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Consumer Warning Issued for Shellfish, Lobster, Crabs, et al.

State health officials have issued a warning about eating certain local shellfish and seafood. Officials say it may be contaminated with a toxic acid. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Consumer Warning Issued for Shellfish, Lobster, Crabs, et al.

State health officials have issued a warning about eating certain local shellfish and seafood. Officials say it may be contaminated with a toxic acid. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Health officials say we should avoid eating sport-harvested shellfish, sardines, anchovies, lobsters and crabs caught off the coast between Orange County and Santa Barbara. A bloom of ocean algae produces a naturally-occurring domoic acid.

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The algae population grows or "blooms" every year as our ocean waters warm. But this year's bloom came earlier than normal. Researchers say the acid has sickened and killed more than 40 birds, sea lions and dolphins off our coastline.

In San Pedro, International Bird Rescue Center director Jay Holcomb says : The acid attacks the brain and can cause seizures.

Staff at Laguna Beach's Pacific Marine Mammal Center say they have treated 14 sea lions for the acid poisoning. Seven died.

Domoic acid is produced by microscopic algae. Birds and sea mammals ingest the acid by eating fish and shellfish that consume the algae. People who eat the tainted seafood and shellfish can experience nausea, seizures and death. Environmentalists say birds and other animals suffering from domoic acid poisoning have been washing up on shores from San Diego to San Francisco Bay.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.