DSHS warning about seafood after vessel collision in the Houston Ship Channel

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The Texas Department of State Health Services is advising people not to fish or eat any seafood from the portions of Galveston and Trinity bays north of a line from the end of the Texas City Dike to Smith Point.

The alert comes after a collision on the Houston Ship Channel Friday between a 755-foot tanker and a tug pushing two barges.

"While the spill is not affecting the entire area at this time, changing tidal and weather conditions mean different parts of that area could be affected in the future. DSHS reminds everyone to avoid any fish or shellfish that has an oily or chemical look or smell," DSHS said in the alert.

RELATED: Collision between barge, tanker closes portion of Houston Ship Channel

The collision occurred at Lights 71-74 near Bayport, Texas. One barge capsized and one was damaged.

Officials say an estimated 25,000 barrels of gasoline blend stock were loaded on each barge, and an unknown amount of product has been released from the damaged barge.

The Houston Ship Channel has since reopened.

A unified command consisting of the Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office and Kirby Inland Marine was set up to respond to the collision.

Boom was deployed around the barges and more is being deployed to protect sensitive areas along the bay, Unified Command says.

Those living in the area have been concerened about the smell of gasoline around the water. Officials are monitoring the air quality and say there's currently no health concern.

The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health is conducting around the clock air monitoring in the communities west of the bay. Results from air monitoring will be published at https://bayport-response.com/air-monitoring/

A hotline has also been established for the public to report strong gasoline odors. The number for the hotline is 281-757-3017.

Officials say anyone who feels they may require medical attention is still advised to call 911.