California state officials have issued a ban on the harvesting of Pacific sardines for human consumption along the state’s southern coast due to the presence of a naturally occurring marine toxin. The restriction applies to the waters stretching from Point Conception to the Mexican border.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife implemented the ban after state health officials detected elevated levels of domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin, in the sardines. While the ban prohibits the sardines from being caught for consumption, it does not affect the capture of other species, such as rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, and tuna. Additionally, the sardines may still be used as bait.
Domoic acid, produced by marine algae under specific ocean conditions, has been affecting various marine species for weeks, including sea birds and sea lions. The toxin accumulates in the bodies of fish, and while exposure to low levels can cause symptoms like nausea and diarrhea in humans, higher concentrations can lead to more severe effects, such as memory loss, seizures, and even death.
State officials continue to monitor the situation closely as they assess the potential risks to both marine life and public health.