In North Carolina, considered the epicenter of the toxin and home to scientific research on the subject, more than 1 billion fish have been killed by toxic Pfiesteria since 1991. Research published this year in the British periodical The Lancet did find that some Marylanders environmentally exposed to waters containing the toxin-producing form of Pfiesteria piscicida did experience temporary memory loss and learning difficulties, explaining the illnesses of some fisherman. Green said further studies were needed to confirm those findings and other public health concerns, but as far as eating fish and shellfish, the consumer need not be afraid. Yes, it is safe to eat seafood. Public health warnings caution that research on the toxin is not complete.
Recommendations are to avoid eating seafood with obvious signs of sores or peeled skin.