New video highlights shellfish safety services at the Marine Institute

The Marine Institute has released a new video that demonstrates the shellfish safety work that is undertaken by the organisation. The video follows on from a new shellfish safety reporting website which went live at the end of August 2017.

The Marine Institute is the EU designated national reference laboratory for shellfish toxins and shellfish microbiology in Ireland.

The new video, which can be viewed here, explains shellfish safety mechanisms including the frequent testing of shellfish production areas in Ireland and the detection and identification of toxic and harmful microorganisms by skilled taxonomists and microbiologists, using new molecular technologies.

The Institute carries out a year-round national testing programme to ensure that all shellfish are safe before being placed on the market for human consumption.

"With over one hundred coastal aquaculture production areas farming a variety of shellfish species, and many more offshore areas being fished commercially, it is essential that an efficient and accurate method of communicating our shellfish testing process is in place," explained Joe Silke, Manager of Shellfish Safety Services, Marine Institute, with reference to the new website and video.

The website provides regulatory authorities, shellfish producers, processors, hospitality industry, public health officials and the general public with the most up to date information available. Further features will be rolled out in the coming months but the first phase is now available at www.marine.ie/habs. You can also read more about the website launch here.

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