Sanitary surveys
Sanitary surveys are an essential first step towards
establishing a microbiological monitoring programme for
the classification of bivalve production areas. All new
bivalve production areas require a sanitary survey.
We evaluate the sources and types of microbiological
contamination that might affect new and existing bivalve
mollusc production areas.
The following information is reviewed and assessed in a sanitary
survey:
- location and extent of the bivalve mollusc fishery
- type of shellfishery (species, method of harvest, seasonality
of harvest)
- location, type and volume of sewage discharges
- location of river inputs and other potentially contaminated
water courses (from OS maps/nautical charts)
- location of harbours and marinas (from OS maps/nautical
charts)
- hydrographic and hydrometric data
- existing microbiological data from water quality or shellfish
monitoring undertaken in the same area or adjacent areas.
Available information is supplemented by a practical shoreline
survey.
The outcome of a sanitary survey is a sampling plan that details
the point(s) at which samples must be taken for classification
of a new site. A representative monitoring schedule along with
appropriate production area/classification zone boundaries are also
identified.