Elevated domoic acid levels prompt commercial fishing restrictions and recreational health advisory
State health agencies have determined that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine recently sampled from Monterey Bay contain elevated levels of domoic acid, prompting commercial fishing restrictions and a recreational health advisory for the affected area.
Following the recommendation from state health agencies, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has enacted a restriction on the commercial take of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for human consumption in waters from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to a line due west of Point Lobos in Monterey County.
Commercial harvest of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for bait use is still allowed. However, any anchovy or sardine sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food. 
The current restrictions and advisory apply only to northern anchovy and Pacific sardine, which were found to contain elevated levels of domoic acid. The restrictions do not apply to other finfish, including salmon, rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and other species.
CDFW advises that when health advisories are issued for other species, consumers should eat only cleaned, skinned fillets and use cooking methods that avoid contact with internal organs. Additional information on current health advisories is available through the California Department of Public Health.
CDFW will continue working with the California Department of Public Health and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to monitor domoic acid levels in northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, and other fish species to determine when the commercial fishing restrictions and recreational advisory can be safely lifted.
Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring marine alga that can bloom under certain ocean conditions. The toxin can accumulate in fish without making them sick. In humans, low-level exposure may cause nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Higher exposures can lead to persistent short-term memory loss, seizures, and, in rare cases, death.
Current fishery information and health advisories are available through CDFW. Anglers can also call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Information Line at (831) 649-2883 for updates on fishing restrictions.
This story is based on information provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original CDFW news release here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/monterey-bay-northern-anchovy-and-pacific-sardine-commercial-take-restrictions-and-recreational-advisory-in-place-due-to-public-health-hazard
