Officials warn of dangerous seafood in Costa Rica as a result of “red tide”

November 8^th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) A sample taken in the Pacific Ocean, in various sectors such as Punta Chuchillo and Isla Cedros, has forced Costa Rica’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry (MAG, in Spanish) and the Fishing and Aquaculture Institute (INCOPESCA) to ban mollusks such as oysters, clams, mussels, and piangua, among others, due to a high concentration of algae in the sea.

The phenomenon, known as “red tide”, can cause intoxication in humans that consume intoxicated seafood and in extreme cases, cause a cardio-respiratory attack. It is frequently associated with deterioration in water quality. The color occurs as a result of the reaction of a red pigment, pyridine, to light during photosynthesis.

“We are warning the population, so that people will remain alert. If, for some reason, they consume mollusks and present symptoms such as tingling around the mouth area, which moves towards the arms and fingers, difficulty breathing, swallowing and talking, as well as problems with walking or the sensation of floating, go to the closest health center,” stated authorities in a note sent to the Ministers of Agriculture and Health, Gloria Abraham Peralta and Daisy Corrales.

Authorities also ask citizens to avoid consuming seafood, whilst the Inter-institutional Committee for the Prevention and Control of Red Tide suggests that mother of pearl shells and oysters in general be banned as well.