King scallop fishing, due to get under way tomorrow, has been delayed after high levels of acid were found in samples collected off the west coast.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said higher than normal levels of domoic acid, which arises naturally from plankton in the Irish Sea that occasionally 'blooms', had been found in king scallops that feed on the plankton. It last occurred in 2003.

A DEFA spokesman said: 'The maximum levels of domoic acid permitted in king scallops entering the food chain are prescribed in EU legislation. It has therefore been agreed with the industry that as a precautionary measure there will be a delayed start to the king scallop fishing season off the west coast of the Island.

'It is a priority of the Department to reopen the fishery and the crew of the department’s vessel Barrule will continue to gather samples of king scallops from the west coast. These will be tested by the Government Analyst and as soon as it is clear the acid has reduced to an appropriate level, this will occur.

'Although commercial fishermen are aware of the temporary restriction, any individual divers who gather king scallops in small numbers for their own consumption, or resale, should be aware of it too.'

Levels of the acid off the east coast are normal and fishing for king scallops can go ahead from tomorrow.


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