Ban on shell-fish harvest in harbour

UP to 100 fishermen in Castlemaine Harbour have been affected by a ban on the commercial harvesting of mussels and oysters, currently in place following the discovery of harmful algal bloom in the water. The area affected takes in Cromane, Inch and Rossbeigh and also affects much of the south-west region including west Cork.

The ban comes as the tourist season re-opens in Ireland and Europe, leading to an increased demand for such produce.

The main market for oysters and mussels from Castlemaine Harbour is in France and Holland. The Food Safety Authority issued a public warning last week following the detection of significant levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in oyster samples which, if eaten, can be dangerous. Additionally shellfish-growing areas are experiencing high levels of Diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) which has led to a number of areas being closed for harvesting until these toxic events pass.

The algal bloom does not affect the shellfish, but they cannot currently be harvested and eaten. Once test results show the toxicity of the region has reduced, they can be harvested again.

A ban on the harvesting of mussels has been in place for the past month, but tests have showed that toxicity levels are dropping, so it is hoped that mussels harvesting can re-open shortly. The ban on oyster harvesting came into place last week, and further test results are due on Wednesday.

However, fishermen say that the ban is only temporary and will therefore not have any long-term effect.

“It will not adversely affect the markets. The shellfish are still healthy in the water. Eating them is the only issue ...When we open up we will sell them,” explained local fisherman Emmett Casey.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have advised the public against recreational gathering of shellfish on the foreshore for consumption, and food businesses have been reminded of the need to source shellfish from reputable and fully traceable sources.

The area is not closed off for public use, and activities such as swimming, boating and paddingling can continue.

In a statement, the FSAI said that the current issue is a result of naturally occurring algal bloom, which arises or gets washed into the bay where shellfish are growing. The shellfish feed on the toxic plankton and accumulate the toxins.

“It is difficult to predict how long commercial shellfish harvesting will be disrupted for in any given bay. In order for a bay to re-open to commercial shellfish harvesting, there must be two results below the regulatory limits from samples taken at least 48 hours apart. Sampling is managed by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, in co-operation with local shellfish farmers,” they said in statement.

Shellfish monitoring for the presence of potential toxicity is a requirement under EU food law. This is fulfilled in Ireland between the FSAI, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Marine Institute (MI). The status of Castlemaine Harbour is updated on the Marine Institute web page. Local shellfish suppliers can continue to source shellfish from other harbours if they are approved purification facilities. There is one in Cromane and Glenbeigh.