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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has lifted all commercial and recreational take restrictions on Pacific sardine for human consumption in the Southern California Bight, from Point Conception south to the U.S.–Mexico border. The move follows updated guidance from state health agencies confirming that recent sardine samples no longer pose a human health risk due to domoic acid.
In early May, CDFW limited sardine take to bait use only after elevated domoic acid levels were detected. New testing results from multiple sites in the region show concentrations are now below federal action thresholds, prompting the policy reversal.
Domoic acid is a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced by certain marine algae. While fish can carry the toxin without showing symptoms, human exposure—particularly at high levels—can cause memory loss, seizures, and even death. A bloom earlier this year led to increased marine mammal strandings and triggered broader health advisories from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), including a regional warning against consumption of marine bivalves due to both domoic acid and paralytic shellfish toxins.
While the sardine advisory has ended, the annual statewide mussel quarantine for paralytic shellfish poisoning remains in effect through October 31.
For up-to-date biotoxin-related fishery closures and test results, visit CDFW’s Fishery Information and Health Advisories page or consult the CDPH Domoic Acid Testing site.