TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands ciguatera toxin in local fish

Greetings all...

Does anyone have any *current* info on the ciguatera toxin in the local fish? The most recent info I can find is over a year old.

How serious of a problem is it actually? The news reports (again, well over a year old) make it sound so dire. Is it still recommended not to consume reef fish?

With an upcoming BVI visit rapidly approaching, and perhaps engaging in a bit of casual inshore/beach fishing at various stops, do I need to be worried about grilling up a fish? Especially after reading that if a person should happen to get a touch of the illness, alcohol consumption could make symptoms worse. Oh my, say isn't so... <laugh>

Thanks folks, this will be my first visit to the BVI, and as a result I have discovered TTOL. Such a great resource! My thanks to all. Not only have so many of my first-timer questions been answered by simply perusing this BVI forum, I have discovered questions (and answers) that I didn't even know I had!

Thanks again for all your contributions...

Michael

excellent read

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_ciguatera_toxin/article_em.htm

Anything published more recently? More current stats? I did a quick search but as mentioned above- all info seems dated.

Chronic issue, does not "go away". Not dated.

Chronic issue, does not "go away". Not dated.

I would not recommend eating the local reef fish unless you are able to speak with a local fisherman. Ciguatera seems to be common in fish in certain locations, but not others, and the local fisherman know this.

Deep water fish (mahi, wahoo, tuna) that you may catch trolling out to Anegada are perfectly fine to eat

If you do plan on fishing be certain to apply for a BVI Fishing License as well ahead of your trip!

In general terms, ciguatera is a nerve toxin, and affects everyone differently and sometimes not at all. You cannot build up a tolerance to it. It can be fatal but rarely is. It is geographic, and the area from South Virgin Gorda west to Culebra is where is is quite prevalent locally. The toxin is carried by microorganisms that float free primarily at night, therefore night-time reef predators are most likely to have it. These include kingfish, snappers especially Cubera, large groupers, Hind, and some jacks and barracuda, but especially Horse Eye Jacks. The prevalence among night predators leads to a local saying - "dont eat fish with an eyeball larger than your own "- and others rely on an 'ant test'. Not everyone responds to the toxin the same way. Two people can eat the same fish, and their reactions can be totally different. Local knowledge is key, but it is usually ok if it is from the north side of Tortola, except horse Eye Jacks. They always have it it seems.

There are test kits available if you want to eat reef fish.

@GeorgeC1 - the only one I know of is Cigua-Test (currently not available for purchase) and that is expensive and takes about one hour for the results to come back. That will only work for self-caught fish, for those ordering in a restaurant that would mean a cold dinner

Our seafood vendor here does not sell local fish for this very reason.