Questions, answers about toxic West Coast crabs

A poisonous substance linked to a massive algae bloom off the West Coast has prompted officials to halt recreational shellfishing from Washington to California and is blamed for sickening dozens of seabirds, seals, whales and other marine life. Below are questions and answers about the issue: Q: What is the problem? A: Domoic acid, a naturally occurring neurotoxin, has been found in high levels in a variety of shellfish, which in turn are eaten by predators up the food chain — including humans. Domoic acid poisoning can cause vomiting, seizures and, in severe cases, coma and death. Photo gallery, Read the rest here 14:00

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