Brian O'Shea
Question:40 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine if he has scientific information regarding the appearance of the red tide off the south west coast this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Red Tide Disease.
Testing carried out in recent weeks by the Fisheries Research Centre of my Department shows the presence of toxins in shellfish in Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay, and the grounds concerned have been closed. These toxins arise from algal bloom, more popularly known as red tide.
The Deputy will be aware that red tide is a seasonal problem around this time in recent years for the shellfish industry in the south-west.
No proven theory explains the cause of the bloom. Its occurrence at this time each year would point to the convergence of several conditions as the cause, e.g. warm weather bringing organisms from deep water to the surface, providing an enrichment of the surface waters.
The only sensible option at this stage is the temporary closure of the shellfish grounds in the interests of the consumer and, ultimately, the industry. The grounds will remain closed until testing shows that the levels of toxins have fallen and the shellfish are safe for consumption again.