DATELINE: 22nd December 2000

SHELLFISH WARNING
Divers who take the odd shellfish - particularly sensitive filter feeders such as scallops - for private consumption should beware that the creatures may contain high toxin levels.
Matt Gubbins, a keen diver who has worked monitoring shellfish in Scotland, told Diver: "Toxins accumulate in shellfish which filter-feed on polluted planktonic algae and there is a serious human health risk associated with consumption of scallops, etc taken when toxic algae are present."
Fisheries are closed when levels rise above statutory limits, said Matt, but divers often "slip through this safety net" by taking "one for the pot". There had been widespread closure of scallop grounds in Scotland, he said, where scallops were systematically farmed. In England and Wales they are taken only from wild habitats.
Mandy Jumnoodoo of the Food Standards Agency specialises in fish and shellfish hygiene. She confirmed that closures occur at times of toxic algal bloom: "We get test results from around the country every week, and pass information to local authorities which, if required, act to stop shellfish being supplied to markets, restaurants, hotels and the like.
"Divers thinking of taking one for the pot would be well advised to contact their local environmental health office, which will be informed on current shellfish safety." Scotland has a dedicated toxins hotline, telephone 0131 244 6655. Mandy Jumnoodoo is happy to take general queries on shellfish safety at the Food Standards Agency on 0207 238 5883.

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