The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently published a sanitary survey for Oysterhaven, Co. Cork. Under EU regulation, there is a requirement for the competent authority intending to classify a bivalve mollusc production area to undertake a sanitary survey in that area.
The purpose of the sanitary survey is to determine the extent to which potential sources of pollution may impact a bivalve mollusc production area. The survey establishes the Representative Monitoring Points for the conduct of sampling, and ultimately inform the sampling plan for the National Microbiological Sampling
Programme, which is operated by the SFPA.
The results of the Programme determine the annual classification for Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas.The SFPA is dedicated to maintaining the safety and quality of shellfish production by conducting ongoing shellfish monitoring programs and sanitary surveys to classify production areas. The SFPA also prevents shellfish harvesting from areas with elevated levels of marine biotoxins and phytoplankton to ensure the safety of the product. Shellfish monitoring is a critical safety measure for consumers and helps protect the shellfish industry by preventing outbreaks and ensuring that seafood remains safe to eat.