The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has published the results of a comprehensive Sanitary Survey for Achill South, undertaken to meet EU legislative requirements, namely Article 56 of Regulation (EU) 2019/627, relating to the classification of shellfish production areas. The survey informs the classification and monitoring of Pacific oysters and any future classifications forManila clams cultivated in the area.
For consumers and producers, the results from the survey allow for an updated sampling plan improving the accuracy of monitoring of microbiological quality in shellfish from Achill South and will inform annual classification decisions about the area. By identifying localised risk areas and strengthening the representative nature of monitoring, the survey enhances protections for public health, supporting the sustainable operation of shellfish aquaculture in Achill South.
The survey reflects the SFPA’s commitment to evidence-based classification of production sites within shellfish areas and the protection of consumers through robust monitoring of potential bacterial contamination. Shellfish monitoring is a critical safety measure for consumers and helps protect the shellfish industry by preventing outbreaks of foodborne illness, ensuring that seafood remains safe to eat.
Read the full Achill South Sanitary Survey here.
Further details on the SFPA’s work on sanitary surveys can be accessed here: https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Molluscan-Shellfish/Sanitary-Surveys
For further queries, please contact: sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie
ENDS
Note to Editor
Key Findings from the Survey
The study combined a desk-based Source–Pathway–Receptor (S-P-R) assessment (i.e. determining how pollution can potentially travel to shellfish production sites in the area), an SFPA-led shoreline survey, and bacteriological sampling of key inflows and runoff points. Findings identified septic tanks (domestic wastewater treatments - DWWTS) and agricultural activities (sheep grazing) as the principal contamination risks.
Distinct circulation patterns and localised contamination pressures within the Achill South Bivalve Mollusc Production Area (BMPA) support maintaining separate production areas: Balfarsad and Corraun. Retention of the current two-production area structure, with species specific Representative Monitoring Points (RMP), is recommended to ensure that classifications and management decisions remain aligned with EU regulatory requirements. Three RMPs were established - two active and one inactive. Two active RMPs were established for Pacific oyster in each production area, and one inactive RMP was identified for Manila clam in the Corraun production area (in order to allow for future classification should shellfish production commence there). The development of tailored sampling plans ensures shellfish monitoring reflects contamination risks and provides a protective framework for shellfish classification.
Read the full Achill South Sanitary Survey here.
Further details on the SFPA’s work on sanitary surveys can be accessed here: https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Molluscan-Shellfish/Sanitary-Surveys
Further Information
About the SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea-fisheries and the sea-food production sectors. It promotes compliance with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, sea-fisheries law and food safety law relating to fish and fish products, verifies compliance and, where necessary, enforces it. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200-mile limit, over 2,000 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate, and all seafood produced in Ireland’s seafood processing companies. The SFPA operates through a network of regional port offices situated at Ireland’s main fishery harbours. For further information visit: www.sfpa.ie