Biotoxin Could Delay Spiny Lobster Fishing Season In Some Areas of LA and OC

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When does the season officially start? The public in unaffected areas — from Point Conception in Santa Barbara County all the way down to San Diego County — can start fishing for the spiny lobster on Friday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. For commercial fishermen, the season opens Wednesday, Oct. 4.

What is domoic acid? “Domoic acid is a biotoxin that is produced by microscopic algae and it gets into high enough concentrations when there's an algal bloom and then it works its way into the food chain,” said Tom Mason, a senior environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This algal bloom, he said, happens from time to time in the state. Earlier this year, there was a harmful algal bloom in Santa Barbara.

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In low levels, it can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness and if consumed in large quantities can result in seizures and memory loss. For some, it can be fatal.

Areas affected: The coast just off of Rancho Palos Verdes, near the Point Vicente Lighthouse all the way down to Long Beach, is currently closed off for spiny lobster recreational fishing. The surrounding areas from Redondo Beach to Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach are under an advisory warning. If you do choose to fish in the advisory areas, state public health officials recommend avoiding eating the eggs and the tomalley — the green stuff in the lobster’s belly. Cooking does not kill or decrease the domoic acid in the lobster.

The coast from the Palos Verdes Peninsula all the way down to Huntington Beach is closed for commercial fishermen looking to catch the spiny crustacean.

About the spiny lobster: Mason said it is the most popular invertebrate. Around 20,000 people fish for the spiny lobster each year and it generates anywhere from $13 to $17 million commercially for the state each year, he said.

When will it be safe for everyone? If you were looking for a belated way to celebrate the newly designated National Lobster Day, you will have to wait for the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the state health authority to give the green light. They test the spiny lobsters for domoic acid weekly, with results usually expected at the end of the week. Results from a test done this week are expected on Friday and depending on the result, delays might be lifted, Mason said.