Shellfish Collecting Ban Lifted in Pegasus Bay

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health division has today lifted the ban on collecting and eating shellfish from Pegasus Bay, the area of coast between Pigeon Bay and Leithfield Beach.

A ban has been in place for some parts of the Canterbury coastline since early December due to high levels of marine biotoxins in shellfish.

“In recent weeks, fluctuating levels of phytoplankton and marine biotoxins have been closely monitored and the levels are now within safe limits,” Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey said. 

Warning signage around the coastline will be taken down over the next couple of days. 

The only area where warning signs will remain in place is around the Avon/Heathcote Estuary, including Sumner Beach. These signs are permanent and relate to the risk from bacterial contamination found in shellfish.  The recommendation to not collect and eat shellfish from these areas remains unchanged.

ENDS