Eday shellfish ban lifted

A temporary ban on the commercial harvesting of shellfish from Fersness Bay in Eday has been lifted.

The ban was put in place last month after a regular monitoring programme by the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) detected the presence of naturally occurring toxin-producing plankton in the area.

The toxins can accumulate in species such as razor fish (spoots), scallops, mussels or cockles and cause illness if affected shellfish are consumed.

Further samples have been taken and Fersness Bay is now open again for the commercial harvesting of shellfish.

The results of two consecutive samples showed that levels have fallen to a point where the temporary closure notice is no longer required to protect public health.

The FSA will continue to monitor for the presence of biotoxins in the area.

For further information, please contact the Council’s Environmental Health team on 01856 873535.