Shellfish on the most popular beaches in the Western Bay of Plenty remain off limits for human consumption as they remain contaminated with high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins.

The remaining affected area include: Tauranga Harbour, Maketu estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands.

The infected area is reduced.

The estuary area north of Ongare Point and the northern tip of Matakana Island is not included in this warning.

The Ministry of Primary Industries has lifted warnings in the Waihi Beach and Whakatane regions, the Bay of Plenty warning now extends from the northern tip of Matakana Island, southwards to Okurei Point at Maketu.

Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish. Note: cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Paua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

MPI reports PSP toxins are still being detected in shellfish at levels over the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set by MPI. Ongoing testing will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly.