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Listen to this siteMonday 18 November 2002
This research project aims to monitor Scottish coastal waters for the presence of toxin producing phytoplankton species.
Study Duration : April 2001 to March 2002
Contractor : Fisheries Research Services
Certain phytoplankton species can produce toxins that accumulate in shellfish. These toxic shellfish, if consumed, can pose a serious risk to human health. EU directive 91/492/EEC obliges member states to monitor coastal waters for the presence of toxin producing phytoplankton species, specifically Alexandrium spp. (PSP), Dinophysis spp. (DSP) and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. (ASP).
This project fulfils two requirements:
1. To monitor the coastal areas around Scotland for the presence of toxic phtyoplankton; and
2. To monitor water samples from selected offshore areas historically associated with high levels of ASP toxicity in scallops to allow for detailed taxonomic analysis of the phytoplankton species present.
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