What is Red Tide?

Shellfish lovers living or vacationing in a coastal area should understand and be knowledgable about 'Red Tide.' Red tide is actually a 'bloom' or population explosion of certain types of dinoflagellates, microscopic planktonic organisms which can contain toxic compounds. Shellfish (including clams, mussels and oysters) which are filter feeders in the areas of these dinoflagellate blooms can accumulate dangerously high concentrations of the toxin in their tissues. The shellfish themselves are unharmed by the toxin, and do not look, taste, or smell any differently than usual. If people or animals ingest shellfish containing the toxin, however, they can become very ill and even die from Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The toxin is particularly dangerous because it will not be eliminated by cooking. All shellfish producing states have monitoring programs for PSP, which involve regular sampling and testing of shellfish along the coast. Upon determining that Shellfish are nearing the tolerance level for concentrations of the toxin, affected coastal areas are posted and closed for a time until further monitoring and sampling indicate that the shellfish are again safe for human consumption. Check with your state for information specific to their Red Tide closure protocol.

Symptoms of PSP

PSP acts quickly. The onset of symptoms will typically be within 30 minutes of ingestion, and can including tingling in the lips, face, neck and extremities, headache, dizziness, nausea, vertigo, muscular paralysis, gasping, difficulty breathing and respiratory failure. If you think you are exhibiting any of these symptoms and that it could be PSP related, DON'T WASTE TIME WAITING! Call 911 to seek emergency care immediately and tell them of your suspicions.

The State of Maine Department of Marine Resources performs rigorous statewide monitoring for red tide, and maintains a toll free Red Tide Hotline with daily updates for shellfish harvesters, dealers, and the general public!

What can you do to protect yourself from

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)?

BE WELL INFORMED! Waters affected by red tide don't always appear red in color. If the dinoflagellate is in high enough concentration, the water may appear red or brown for a period of time, but don't assume that water which is not tinted reddish-brown is safe! Shellfish may harbor high concentrations of the PSP toxin, even if the water appears clear or 'normal'.

Buy shellfish from reputable sources and don't be afraid to ask about red tide or about where and when the shellfish were harvested. In Maine, call the Shellfish Sanitation Hotline (800-232-4733) to check on the status of red tide closures and pollution related closures for your area before you harvest your own clams or mussels.

Call for a list of current closures:

State of Maine Red Tide Hotline

1-800-232-4733

Red Tide Closure Information for the state of Maine is also available online. Click Here.