Red tide warning as rock lobster washouts hit West Coast beaches

Social media images of piles of rock lobster scattered along beaches near Elands Bay have sparked alarm, as a red tide grips parts of the West Coast.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment has issued a warning after rock lobster and other marine life washed ashore in large numbers.

Residents are being urged not to consume any washed-up seafood.

West Coast rock lobster washouts

Photographs circulating online show piles of rock lobster and other sea life on the beach.

The government confirmed that it had activated its West Coast Rock Lobster Walkout contingency plan in response to the red tide event.

“The Department has since this morning activated the West Coast Rock Lobster Walkout contingency plan,” the statement said.

This includes removing and relocating live lobsters to areas with stable oxygen levels, collecting and disposing of dead marine life, monitoring oxygen levels and algae activity, and conducting scientific assessments of affected stocks.

Public urged not to eat washed-up seafood

Authorities have warned that it is ‘extremely dangerous’ to eat any seafood, including lobster or crayfish, that has washed up following a red tide event.

Even if the seafood appears fresh, officials say that looks can be deceiving.

“Cooking doesn’t help. These toxins are heat-stable. They cannot be destroyed by cooking, boiling or freezing.”

Red tide events can produce neurotoxins that accumulate in marine life and may cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which can be fatal.

Officials stressed that even crayfish that appear recently washed up should not be eaten.

Oxygen depletion behind lobster walkouts

Red tides are associated with algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels in the water.

When oxygen levels drop, marine life such as rock lobsters move toward the shore in search of survival, often resulting in mass walkouts.

Authorities said the Department is closely monitoring oxygen levels and algae activity in affected areas.

The warning follows a similar red tide event reported in January in the same region.

Residents, fishers and buyers are being urged to avoid consuming or purchasing any lobster that may have been affected by the red tide.

Officials warned that while it may be tempting to collect washed-up crayfish, the health risks are severe.

For more information, listen to Barbara Friedman using the audio player below: