Public Health Advisory: Vigilance required if collecting seafood in Bay of Plenty

Sunday, 9 October 2011 11:45 a.m.

The Medical Officer of Health Jim Miller is advising people in the Bay of Plenty not to collect and consume seafood (including shellfish and fin fish) from waters with visible oil contamination. Any seafood that has off or petrol like odours should be avoided.

In particular, as a precaution people should not collect shellfish from Motiti Island.

Although there is no evidence of the oil spill reaching the coastline, conditions are continually changing.

Collection and testing of shellfish is underway by Maritime New Zealand and further advice will be issued in due course.

This health advisory will remain in place until further notice. This advice complements the rahui issued by the Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust.

Advice issued by Medical Officer of Health Jim Miller, Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service. For further information please call the Maritime New Zealand media line on 0800 774 554.