Algal blooms discussed at Cork meeting

New techniques to detect toxins which can contaminate seafood and freshwater are due to be discussed at a conference sponsored by the World Health Organisation in Cork.

The conference and workshop on harmful algal blooms is being hosted by Cork Institute of Technology, with scientists from 14 countries. The event is backed by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, but it is the first time WHO has become involved and reflects growing concern about the issue worldwide.

The Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Dan Wallace, is due to welcome participants tomorrow, and Dr Alan Reilly, director of operations with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, will give the opening lecture.

Last week the FSA expressed concern about the increase in algal blooms here which had caused the temporary closure this month of over 30 bays and sea areas where shellfish is being cultivated.

Some 130 bays, estuaries and sea areas under shellfish cultivation are tested by the Marine Institute weekly for toxins, linked to a group of phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates. The particular bloom associated with current closures, dinophysis, is naturally occurring. Although it is not harmful to the shellfish, the toxin can cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning in humans who have consumed the seafood.

The Irish Shellfish Association has called for more research into the causes, and a more frequent monitoring programme to allow bays to reopen when safe. Otherwise, farmers in the £40 million shellfish industry stand to lose heavily this year, it says.

Cork Institute of Technology's eco-toxicology research unit recently received funding from the Higher Education Authority to expand its research facilities, and it aims to become a world leader in the study of algal toxins in food and water, according to its director, Dr Kevin J. James. He will be talking about classification and analytical methods relating to shellfish toxins tomorrow.

Most of the 10-day programme will be workshops on analysing phycotoxins, but the participating scientists will also visit aquaculture sites in the south-west, including Bantry Bay.

The FSA has advised consumers not to collect bi-valve shellfish (mussels, oysters, scallops and clams) and only to purchase shellfish from reputable suppliers licensed by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources. The authority's food safety helpline is open to consumers at 1890-33-66-77.