Shellfish warning: rise in algal toxin levels in Argyll waters

Raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins have been identified in various waters of Argyll and Bute.

Affected areas

Monitoring work carried out by Argyll and Bute Council has identified increased levels of the toxins in areas across the region,at:

• Loch Fyne at Stonefield
• Loch Striven
• Loch Creran
• Campbeltown Loch
• The Strand at Colonsay
• Islay’s Loch Gruinart
• Loch Scridain on Mull.

Warning on eating and harvesting shellfhsh

Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health, and notices to warn the public have been posted at various locations on the shore.

Commercial shellfish harvesters in the affected areas have been contacted by the council and steps have been taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.

Mull area re-opened

One area previously affected by raised algal toxin levels – the Sound of Mull at Aros and Tobermory – was re-opened last week.

Further information

The council continues to monitor the situation at all locations and the warning notices will be removed when the levels subside sufficiently.

For further information, please contact the council’s environmental health team on 01631 567920.