27 August 2009
Delegates from across Europe will come together in Shetland this week (Tuesday
25 and Wednesday 26 August) to attend the second meeting on a project that aims
to advance testing technologies in the international shellfish industry. The
collaboration will be testing a new, rapid methodology for the local analysis
of algal toxins in shellfish.
The 1.6 million euro project, ‘Warning of Algal Toxin Events to Support
Aquaculture in the Northern Periphery Programme Coastal Zone Region’ is
being funded through the EU Northern Periphery Programme. The project partners
are Seafood Shetland, Marine Scotland, the Scottish Association for Marine Science,
the NAFC Marine Centre, the National University of Ireland, Galway, the Faroese
Fish Laboratory in Torshavn and the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen.
Algal blooms can occur when the numbers of some naturally occurring microscopic
algae species in the plankton rapidly increase. Some algae species are toxic
when a bloom occurs and it is these instances that can present serious environmental
problems, particularly if shellfish are harvested in an area where a bloom occurred.
As such, toxic levels in farmed mussels are monitored rigorously through weekly
sample collection and end-product testing. However, test results may take up
to several days. This project will advance rapid testing methods for remote
fisheries and aims to enable shellfish industries to test their produce for
toxins locally, rather than sending samples to laboratories elsewhere.
Dr Robin Raine of the Martin Ryan Marine Institute, NUI Galway is leading the
project. He said: “Predicting the occurrence of these harmful algal blooms
is extremely important so that their damaging economic effects on the shellfish
aquaculture industry can be substantially reduced. I particularly appreciate
the significance for the industry in Shetland, which is currently valued at
about £3.5 million and produces 60 per cent of Scotland’s total
mussel production.”
Another project member is Daniel Stone who represents the NAFC Marine Centre.
He added: “The NAFC is pleased to be part of this project as Shetland
has such a significant role in the shellfish production market. It also re-enforces
the Centre’s position at the forefront of fisheries and aquaculture science
in Europe.
“The plan is to collect environmental data from two sites around Shetland
and collate with similar data from other sites around Europe to determine if
algal blooms can be predicted. Mussel samples will also be tested against a
rapid detection kit being provided by one of the project partners.”
Chief Executive of Seafood Shetland, Ruth Henderson, added: “We are very
happy to be involved with this project and hope that it brings benefits to our
members.”
Further information:
For further information, please contact: Ruth Henderson, Seafood Shetland, tel
01595 693644, email ruth@fishuk.net
Or, Victoria Tait, Shaw Marketing and Design, tel 01595 692465, email victoria.tait@shaw-online.com
or visit www.shaw-online.com