California officials have restricted commercial and recreational fishing for northern anchovy in portions of Monterey Bay, allowing the fishery there to be used for bait only. The action follows an outbreak of domoic-acid poisoning that has sickened numerous California sea lions.
The toxin is produced by harmful algal blooms and can accumulate in anchovies and other forage fish that consume toxic algae. CDFW and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued the restriction after assessing the potential risk associated with contaminated anchovies entering the seafood supply.
CDFW’s document library records the Director’s declaration restricting northern anchovy fishing to bait use only, along with OEHHA recommendations concerning both recreational and commercial landings, on September 11.
The action illustrates how harmful algal blooms can rapidly affect commercial fisheries, seafood safety and market access. Seafood businesses operating in or sourcing from affected areas should closely monitor CDFW and OEHHA advisories and ensure that affected products are not inadvertently diverted into food channels. The event also underscores the growing operational importance of HAB monitoring as ocean conditions change.