For months, Southern California’s coastline has been grappling with the effects of elevated domoic acid levels, a marine biotoxin that has already caused significant harm to marine mammals and birds. In response to the ongoing issue, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced in a news release from early May, 2025, new restrictions for the commercial and recreational take of Pacific sardine for human consumption. The restriction, which applies to the area south of Point Conception (34⁰ 27.000’ N. lat.) to the California/Mexico border, follows recommendations from state health agencies to mitigate potential public health risks.
According to Stephen Gonzalez, an information officer for the CDFW, “In the declaration and press release, the current restrictions allow for both the commercial take of sardines for live bait and the recreational catch and use of sardines for live bait. As such, it shouldn’t have an impact on those user groups [recreational or commercial anglers].”
According to CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham, the restriction aims to protect consumers from the effects of domoic acid, a naturally occurring marine biotoxin produced by the alga Pseudo-nitzschia. While Pacific sardines have shown elevated domoic acid levels, the restriction does not extend to other species such as rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, and tuna. However, the public is advised to follow general health recommendations, including consuming only the cleaned, skinned fillets of fish to minimize exposure.
The restriction permits the use of Pacific sardine as bait in both the commercial and recreational fisheries, though human consumption is currently prohibited. State health agencies, including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), will continue to monitor domoic acid levels in sardines and other fish species to assess when the restriction can be safely lifted. Testing and monitoring efforts will be ongoing, and updates will be provided through CDFW’s fishery information and health advisories website.
Fish affected by domoic acid may exhibit physical and motor symptoms such as erratic swimming, disorientation, uncoordinated movements, and lethargy. In severe cases, they may exhibit seizures or die suddenly. Externally, there may not be obvious signs, making it difficult to visually identify affected fish without laboratory testing. Monitoring unusual behavior, especially in schooling fish, can be an indicator, but definitive diagnosis requires laboratory analysis to detect domoic acid levels.
Domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin, can accumulate in fish without visibly affecting the organism. Low-level exposure in humans can cause nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea, while higher levels can result in seizures, short-term memory loss, and, in severe cases, death. Federal and state laws prohibit the commercial distribution of seafood containing domoic acid levels above federal action limits, underscoring the importance of the current restrictions.
For more information on the status of the Pacific sardine restriction or to learn about current consumption advisories, the public is encouraged to contact the CDPH Biotoxin Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
