(L-R) R.Henderson, C.Thomason, Dr R.Raine, Dr M. Robinson, Daniel Stone, Niall O Rourke and H. Olaffssen. (Photo: Shaw)

Water project identifies ways to protect shellfish industry

Delegates from across Europe met at the NAFC Marine Centre last week to hear the results of a project that was initiated to reduce disruption to the shellfish industry through establishing advanced testing technologies for the analysis of algal blooms.

The project has succeeded on two counts: firstly by identifying two rapid assay tests that can be successfully used; and secondly in proving that a link does exist between algal blooms and wind direction and sea temperature, based on a case study conducted over the summer at Busta Voe, Brae, Shetland.
 
The project, ‘Warning of Algal Toxin Events to Support Aquaculture in the Northern Periphery Programme Coastal Zone Region’ (WATER) has been funded through the EU Northern Periphery Programme.
 
Attending last week’s seminar were delegates from project partners National University of Ireland, Galway; Seafood Shetland; the Scottish Association for Marine Science; Marine Scotland Science; the Faroe Marine Research Institute and the Food and Veterinary Agency, Torshavn.
 
Guests also included representatives from the Food Standards Agency, Scotland; Loch Fyne Oysters and Biopol Skagastrond, Iceland, along with Shetland’s shellfish farming industry.
 
Algal blooms can occur when the numbers of some naturally occurring microscopic algae species in the plankton rapidly increase.  Some algae species can become harmful 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. Test results from rigorous weekly regulatory and end product testing that monitor levels in farmed mussels can take several days to be processed in laboratories. This project has revolutionised the process by identifying two rapid assay tests that can be employed with a quick turnaround time.
 
Daniel Stone, NPP Water project scientist at the NAFC Marine Centre, said: “The lectures delivered during the seminar were all extremely valuable and covered topics such as rapid assays for the detection of algal biotoxins, techniques for detecting toxins in the water, legislation and current testing techniques.
 
“The Faroese Veterinary Agency delivered a talk entitled ‘WATER results – perspectives from food safety’, which described the project from a Faroese point of view. This presentation was very interesting in that Faroe is very similar to Shetland and their industry is just in the early stages of development.
 
“The project partners are delighted that we have been able to identify two rapid assays tests that laboratories will be able to use. The fact that we have also proved a link between algal blooms and wind direction and sea temperature is also very good news. The theory behind this model would be applicable in other locations as a predictor of blooms now that it has been tested here in Shetland.
 
“The project will conclude on 31 December with a written report detailing the project findings. We will continue to explore if further funding is available to enable us to put the theory we have established into practice.”
 
The multinational project was co-ordinated by Dr. Robin Raine of the National University of Ireland, Galway. After the meeting he commented: “It was really good to see such a high level of interest and attendance at the meeting. Algal blooms are here to stay but we have shown at least some ways how the effects of these blooms can be overcome.”
 
Kasia Kazimierczak from the Food Standards Agency added: “The Northern Periphery Programme seminar provided valuable information on the various aspects relating to marine biotoxins in shellfish harvesting waters and shellfish flesh. The programme evaluated suitability of commercially available rapid assays for detection of algal toxins in shellfish and will assist in the development of modelling for predicting harmful algal blooms in Scottish waters.”
 
Kevin Farrell, quality manager at Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, commented: “As one of the major shellfish processors in Scotland I found the seminar extremely valuable. We are currently looking into the feasibility of setting up our own in-house toxin testing using rapid methods and having a clear indication of approved tests has been useful in selecting the correct tests.
 
“It was very enlightening to hear the results of the modelling project in confirming the mechanism for the occurrence of algal blooms in relation to certain environmental conditions. With the impact of climate change and the pressure this is placing on the industry, I hope there will be an early opportunity for commercial aquaculture businesses to be involved in establishing this routinely as another tool in managing food safety and to identify the other influencing factors.”

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Address:	Port Arthur
City:	Scalloway
State/ZIP:	Shetland (ZE1 0UN)
Country:	United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 01595 772 000
Fax:	+44 01595 772 001
E-Mail:	[email protected]
More about:

Print