Habs Inshore Shellfish Biotoxins Monitoring

Shellfish samples collected at 163 coastal sites and analysed in the laboratory for biotoxins. Biotoxins sampled for including Azas and DSPs. Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) programme has collected Shellfish samples from aquaculture sites located along the coastline of Ireland between Strangford Lough and Lough Foyle. Samples have been collected under this programme since 2002. Shellfish biotoxins determine whether an aquaculture site is open for production and in some cases is closed pending or closed due to adverse toxins in the Shellfish. Shellfish samples have been collected by Samplers and delivered to the Marine Institute laboratory for biotoxins analysis using ISO testing standards. The Habs programme has been a joint initiative between the Marine Institute (MI) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Data complete for all samples surveyed since 2002.