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Listen to this siteMonday 31 January 2005
This research project monitors coastal waters for the presence of toxin producing cells in order to fulfil the requirments of the EU Directive 91/492/EEC.
Study Duration : Ongoing monitoring
Contractor : FRS Marine Laboratory
Certain phytoplankton can produce toxins that can accumulate in shellfish. These toxins do not effect the shellfish themselves but can cause severe illness in humans if shellfish containing these toxins are consumed. To protect human health, the EU issued Directive 91/492/EEC which requires member states to monitor their coastal waters for the presence of these toxin producing phytoplankton
April 2002 to March 2003
Fourteen sites around the Scottish Coast were selected to participate in the first period of the phytoplankton monitoring programme. Coastal sites were chosen because of their position in relation to shellfish harvesting areas and their geographic location. Collectors at these sites voluntarily sent in water samples for analysis. Samples were sent in weekly during the summer and monthly during the winter. In addition, eight offshore sites, chosen because of their historic amnesic shellfish poison (ASP) levels in scallops, were targeted for sampling by FSA charter vessels. These samples were analysed for the presence of toxin producing cells using light microscopy and the results archived in a phytoplankton database. One hundred samples were also analysed using a transmission electron microscope to identify the Pseudonitzschia cells present to species level.
April 2003 to March 2004
Twenty-three sites around the Scottish Coast were selected to participate in the second period monitoring programme. In addition, 79 offshore sites were targeted for sampling by FSA charter vessels. Ten samples were also analysed using a transmission electron microscope to identify the Pseudonitzschia cells present to species level.
During the first year, 506 samples were analysed by light microscopy for the presence of toxin producing cells. 100 samples were also analysed using transmission electron microscopy to identify the Pseudonitzschia cells present to species level. Nine different species were observed in Scottish waters, seven of which are potential toxin producers. These were P. australis, P. cf. delicatissima, P. fraudulenta, P. multiseries, P. pungens, P. cf. pseudodelicatissima and P. seriata var. obtusa .
In the second year, 738 samples were analysed by light microscopy for the presence of toxin producing cells. Ten samples were also analysed using transmission electron microscopy to identify the Pseudonitzschia cells present to species level. Six different species were observed in Scottish waters, five of which are potential toxin producers. These were P. australis, P. cf. delicatissima, P. pungens, P. cf. pseudodelicatissima and P. cf seriata .
Reports have been published for each year of monitoring and these are available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain copies of these reports, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email:
library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
)
Contact
: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email
science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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