Shellfish farmers concerned about the quality of our inshore waters
The annual national review of shellfish waters for 2014 shows that Co Clare came top once again, showing great awareness of the need for good water quality in shellfish growing areas.
Mayo and Galway once again traded places as two of the most important counties for shellfish production.
Cork and Donegal are the largest producers with The Rebels beating their northern neighbours soundly in the clean waters stakes. Wexford was at the bottom.
Irish Shellfish Association spokesman Richie Flynn said the most surprising aspect of the 2014 review was the reduction in quality in bays which had waste water treatment plants built nearby in the last decade.
The reasons for this are complex but could be ageing equipment, lack of training and poor management of treatment plants.
“Consumer safety is our number one priority and the reputation of quality Irish shellfish is linked directly to how clean our waters are,” he said.
Mr Flynn said because it is so closely linked with their livelihoods, shellfish aquaculture producers are the most alert and pro-active guardians of coastal water quality.
Irish-farmed shellfish is currently in huge demand, with markets in Asia and America opening up to fresh live oysters which are specially sent by air to high-end hotels and restaurants.
The national annual review of shellfish waters classification is a major part of IFA Aquaculture’s work on behalf of 250 small and medium-sized, mainly family -based companies producing oysters and mussels around the coast.
