Do recreational fishermen need to be careful during a Florida red tide?
Yes. They should follow these guidelines: • Do not eat mollusks (clams or oysters) taken from Florida red tide waters, as they can contain toxins that cause a food poisoning called NSP (Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning). • Finfish caught live can be eaten if filleted. • Shrimp and crabs are safe to eat. • Use common sense: Harvesting distressed or dead animals is not advised under any circumstances. Edible parts of other animals (like crustaceans) commonly called shellfish (crabs, shrimp, and lobster), are not affected by the Florida red tide organisms and can be eaten.
