Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 16 May 2000 For Use: Immediately

Samples collected as part of the Statutory Scottish Office ALGAL Toxins Monitoring programme have been tested at the Marine Laboratory and positive Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) results for Mussels harvested from West Loch Roag on 8 May and from Loch Leurbost on 9 May were obtained.

No DSP toxin is permitted in shellfish destined for human consumption.

Due to the above results mussel gatherers have agreed to stop harvesting mussels from the two lochs and the ban will be place until sample results are negative.

The marketing of mussels from these sites is prohibited.

Members of the public should be aware of the restriction on harvesting mussels from these sites until the voluntary closure has been lifted.

Anyone who has harvested mussels for their own consumption from either Loch Leurbost or West Loch Roag on or after 8 May are advised to immediately dispose of them.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer