Red Tide toxin closes much of the Massachusetts coastline to shellfishing

Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poison toxin (also known as “Red Tide”), the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has closed much of the Massachusetts coastline to shellfishing, leaving a shortage in the state.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a serious illness caused by eating shellfish contaminated with algae that contains Paralytic Shellfish Toxin, a toxin harmful to humans. This toxin is extremely poisonous. As little as one milligram (0.000035 ounce) is enough to kill an adult.

Early symptoms include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating poisonous shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop. Depending upon the amount of toxin a person has ingested, symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people have experienced a sense of floating or nausea. If a person consumes enough poison, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed. Death can result in as little as two hours, as muscles used for breathing become paralyzed.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, their shellfish biologist monitors for marine biotoxins produced by microscopic algae, which can cause PSP.

DMF collects shellfish from 13 primary stations from March through October and analyze samples at their labs to test the toxin levels in shellfish. If a sample contains toxin, testing increases for that site. Shellfish areas are closed if toxin level exceeds safe limits.