Algal toxins: West Loch Tarbert shellfish ban

[Nick]

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The good news is that Loch Creran has reopened.

Changing levels of naturally occurring algal toxins means that while one area of Argyll and Bute water has now reopened for shellfish harvesting, another has been closed off.

Loch Creran reopened at the end of last week, a couple of days after West Loch Tarbert had to be closed.

In total, five areas are now closed due to increased levels of the toxins – Loch Fyne at Stonefield, Loch Striven, the Strand at Colonsay, Islay’s Loch Gruinart and now West Loch Tarbert.

Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health, and notices to warn the public have been posted at various locations on the shore.

Commercial shellfish harvesters in the affected areas have been contacted by the council and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algal toxin levels subside.

The council is continuing to monitor the situation at all locations and the warning notices will be removed when the levels sufficiently subside.

For further information, please contact the council’s environmental health team on 01631 567920.

[Mark]

The Bible clearly states that eating shellfish is not allowed, but do people listen???